Pocket legio- BEAD LE’S }lllumlna‘od. o. . Ton Conn. ‘ \ - HURRICANE BILL: MUSTANG SAM AND HIS “PARD.” A ROMANCE OF THE “ EVIL LAND.’ BY JOS. E. BADGER. JR" AUTHOR or m FOLDOWING Doom NOW: 59 Tm: TEXAS HAWKS. 125 THE GIRL CAPTAIN. 68 Tux FLORIDA Scour. 128 SQUA'I'I'ER DICK. 98 DUSKY DICK. 130 MINK GOA-r. 106 Tnn' INDIAN SPY. 140 THE BORDER RENEGADE. 108 THE Woon KING. 143 MOUNTAIN KATE. 116 BLACK PANTHER. 145 Turn LONE Cam. 119 Two-HANDED MAT. 188 NIGHT-HAWK Kn. 184 MUSTANG SAM. NEW YORK: ND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, 7' ’8 WILLIAM STREET. ’- » BEADLE A hated lending to Act of Congrau. In the you 1814. by HEAD“! AND ADAII hm Hand tho Ilka-tan or Count-m. u WM - HURRICANE BILL. CHAPTER I. nus m 'rrnr sannm. 81mm. cries and loud cheers—the confused trampling of hoois—the neighing or horses—the loud bellowing or atl‘right- ~ ed cattle—mingled with an occasional peal of musical laugh- ter or little screams of admiration at some ludicrous mishap or more than usually adroit feat. , A large corral, containing over a hundred bulls, now wrought up to almost madness by the horsemen who dashed to and fro upon their fiery little mustangs, dextrously avoid- ing the many vicious thrusts made by the stout-horned ani- mals with an addrese little short of marvelous. And through this seeming confusion, the horsemen separated the animals . selected by the ranchero, who sat upon a tine mustang out- : , side the corral, from the main body with their long lances, and drove them into a second and smaller inclosure besidel the stand upon which stood the ladies. The varied exclamations of the fair spectators were, as with one accord, merged into a clear, musical cry of wonder- ing admiration, and their scarfs fluttered in a silken cloud. Thin outburst was occasioned by a feat performed by one of the riders—a volunteer, who had already displayed more I than common dexterity. _ A sudden-turn and .surge of the entire body of excited _ bulls had penned him up in one corner of the corral..just giving him time to turn his mustang and prepare for desper~ ‘, ate Work. A single yell-—a dig' of the heavy spurs and stroke of the blood-stained quirt, caused the mustang to rise k like a bird. fairly clearing the threatening horns of the-{ore- most bulls, alighting heavily upon the sea lot broad, shining 1 , \ 1‘0), “‘Tnimxtrcm‘apm backs. 'A loud bellow of terror—a, shrill neigh—a ringing yell as the cruel rawhide hisses through " the air; and the mustang madly plunged forward—only to fall upon its side and sink between the yielding bodies, to be trampled out of / all semblance of life by the sharp, clovea boots. But the rider? a, He parted from his horseand with agile bounds, "leaped from one back to another until, with a light spring, he stood safe and sound upon the sand beyond. Then it was that the fair spectators gave vent to their feelings; and, with- out one look toward the still bellowing bulls. the cavalier dropped his sombrero and bowed low, untitthe long, elf-like locks of jetty black hair half concealed his face. The arrangements are not those of a “bull-fight;" then what sport is on the tapis? Something less pretentious, yet‘ scarcely less interesting—the game of “ Colea dc Tom," or “ tailing the bull,” added to others, as «:1 gallo—“ the cock," etc. In line, ’tis a “feast day." I V v “Mira—look yonder l" abruptly cried one of the ladies, pointing with one taper finger to a point far beyond the cor- ral. “ E'strangeroe l” “ Some of our more distant friends who have heard of our feast, Carmela," replied her companion. 1 “Not so, Isidora—their dres is not that of our people. They are more like these heretics—these terrible Ynnques of whom we hear so much talk." “ I hope—Our Lady grant that they may be 1” half laughed Isidoru, her black eyes sparkling. “ They are men—men who can defend the heart they have won 1” “ And father-«mud Luis ; are not they men t“ reproachfully replied Carmela; but Isidoralmade no reply. She was watching the capidly approaching horsemen. And so were all the others. A stranger was looked upon with suspicion in that lone region. When first the duat~ cloud was observed, quick glances were interchanged. The saute thought could be, read in the eyes of all. Were the Apaches—that terrible scourge of the desert—were the Apa- ches coming ? I - I \ s . At a long, steady lope the horsemen advanced. nor ‘did ‘ifltey draw rein- until within two ‘score yards of the as- : zsai'a'hle‘a Mexicans. Then one, mounted, up0u~.a black mesa . V i ,3; 4:: ,. N... -wa... ,s. n. an at- he the pn- did Ru3‘_ I'm-Two film»: “11 - tang or uncommon size and beauty, raised his bad and cried, in a clear, ringing tone: “ You needn’t be nfeared, gentlemen—we ain’t on the war path, jest now, but—” ~ “Afraid!” echoed the black Mexican, who had so nar- rowly escaped the death that overtook his mustang, as he spurred his fresh mount forward a pace. “ Afraid—and of only two heretics l" “ Eusy, thnr, grenser—you cain’t put on frills over we-uns. We ain’t ticks nur fleas, nuther. Ef you want to know our handles, this ’ere chap’s called Hurricane Bill—” “ 0f the Cherokee Nation, purd—put the hull figger down,” quickly interrupted the other stranger. “Hurricane Bill, of the Cherokee Nntion. then, an’ I'm called Mustang Sam," quietly added the speaker. The dork-browed Mexican fell back, his countenance turn ing an ashen hue, while a slight stir ran through the crowd. It was evident that they had heard of these names before. Then one—e grizzly-haired man, of open countenance, rode forward, with outstretched hand, saying, politely : “ Senors, you are welcome here. We have heard of you 4-83 who hnvc not? But let bygones go. You proved your~ selves brave enemies, and though I have often wished to meet yod while fighting for my country, I am proud now to salute you as friends.” “ You do us proud, boss,” heartily said Mustang Sum, as be grasped the proti'ered hand. “ Ef ull grcusers ’d ’u’ been like you we wouldn’t ’n’ hed so much scriiunmgiu’. But tlmr -—es you say, let the past slide. We're out on the loose, now, Bill sn’ me, lookin’ fer fun. We heard tell 0’ your sports up here, an‘ so rid over to take a hand in, ct you’d no objec- tions.” Den Muuez expressed his pleasure, and then introduced the strangers to his friends, after which Luis, his son, in obedience probably to a slight signal from his sister Jsldorn, escorted them to the stand where. ythe ladies were. In the ‘ intruductiOu that follower], the borderers did not appear to ‘ the best. of aquntage, actutu seeming bashful and timid be~ fore'the twoscorehright eyes thst beamed upon them full 01, interest and curiosity; for the fair senoritas had. heard I . J HURRICANE BILL. many accounts of the reckless daring andwonderful skill of l ‘the Texan scouts who had wrought their forces so much in. jury during the war recently ended. Truly, they formed a notable contrast to the diminutive, almost efl'etninate Mexicans. “Hurricane Bill, of the Cherokee Nation "—as he himself would insist upon having his title recorded—(and, reader, I am describing a. man who is yet living, whose name and deeds are well known to thousands of western men, particu: larly those living in southwestern Kansas and the Indian Territory) was a model of masculine strength and symmetry. Considerably over six feet in hight, he seemed light-built in proportion; but the broad shoulders, deep chest, round body and small waisl,the swelling hips, long thighs and small feet, were in admirable symmetry. It was all bone and muscle; active as a deer, supple as a panther, Hurricane Bill was nearly as strong as a bufl‘ulo bull. His camplexion was al- most dazzlingiy fair, upon which the torrid sun seemed to make no impression. His hair was yellow, falling in curling locks over his shoulders; his eyes a deep, bright blue ; a long . mustache shaded his lip; a stnall imperial upon the chin. His garb—mil of buck-skin. save for the blue flannel shirt and gray felt hat—was plain and unornamented. A. brace of Colt’s revolvers, heavy size, a bowie-knife with a twelve-inch blade and a short, large-bored ride completed his arms. Mustang Sam'* was Several inches shorter, yet no less per- fectly proportioned. Unlike Hurricane Bill, he was a perfect type of the “frontier dandy "—in dress, at. least. , A. wine-colored jacket of fine cloth, ornamented with but- tons of gold coin and tiny silver bells; a vest of similar ma- terial, over a shirt-bosom of scarlet silk curiously embroidered with thread of gold and white silk—doubtless wrought by the fingers of love—cut low at the throat; trowsers of dark- blue broad-cloth, slashed from the knees downward, laced with a golden cord, thickly studded with bells and Spanish coins; short. boots of ,curiously stamped Cordovan leather ,covered his feet, armed with the cruel looking Mexican spurs. Upcn his head was a sort of skull-cup or turban, worked with beads and stained quills, From beneath this the jetty black _ I‘ ‘Bec ‘Beadle‘s Dime Non-l ml. er- ect lut- ma- :red by ark- aced .nish ither w ith '1 black . " . \ \ 13' an annrs'rm'r.. hair fell nearly to Mustang Sam’s waist, slightly curling at the ' ends. A long, silken mustache, arched eyebrows and keen, lustrous eyes lent firmness to the otherwise efl'eminately beautiful face; for the mouth was small and arched, the red lips slightly pouting, the teeth even and white as pearls, and a spot of scarlet burned upon each cheek. Such was Mustang Sam—who was better known by the \ addition " Mad Rider ”-—a dandy in appearance, but one who proved himself every inch a man, on a thousand occasions. “ You wished to witness our games, then, senor 1’” observed Isidora, as Luis turned to obey a signal from his father from the plain below. “ Yes, lady," replied the borderer, mastering his best Span- ,ish, feeling strangely nervous under the bright, sparkling eyes, and trembling slightly as he felt the dainty little brown band, touch his arm. “ We heard of it yesterday, and so rode this way, as we had no particular object in view, beyond passing away the time. But I’m glad that I came, now." , " Yes—there will be glorious sport—we have some skillful horsemen here," laughed Isidore, though the quick side glance told that she understood his thought. " But you will join them 1’ We have heard much of your riding-mt your noble black horse—you will gratify me—lus Y" ' “As your knight, I‘ll not fear to measure skill with even the gallant cavaliers yonder—but if I succeed, I shall ask yor for the knot of ribbon at your breast." Isldora hesitated for a moment, then removed the scarlet knot and fastened it upon Mustang Sam’s broad breast,saying, half seriously: “ Thus I enlist you as my knight—410 your devoirs gallant- ly, and Our Blessed Lady will smile upon you 1” “ I’d rather have your“ smiles—what ’re you laughin’ at, Hurricane Bill l" Mustang added, angrily, as a. low chuckle met his ear. . ' “ Who's lamu'? Cai'n't n feller cough, ei so be he feels like “it? But pard,” Hurricane whispered, “ you kin go itl T ‘ ‘ _u lplll'B. ,, I °nly bed your cheek 'f Go to thunder l" muttered Mustang, turning aside. _ V "Seal the sport begins l” cried hidora. ‘ I HURRICANE BILL. young bull, seeing the wide; level plain before/him, dashed away at the top othis speed. With wild yells, the impatient , horsemen darted in pursuit, each striving to outstrip his comv ‘ petitors andtbe the first to “tail the bull.” So densely ‘were they.cr.owded together that only first rate horsemanship pre- vented accidents, but then they gradually scattered, the switteron more adroit taking the lead. After a run of=nearly a mile, two horsemen were hard upon the animal‘s heels; Luis Munez and the dark Mexican, whom Isidora-said was Don Bias Cavello. Don Luis was ahead, and bending, clutched the animal’s tail, securingit beneath his right thigh, then turning abruptly at aright angle from his original course, sought to overturn the bull. But his horse .made a misstep and fell heavily, casting the young man over its head to the ground, where he lay in a motionless heap. The agitated cries of the women who noticed this catastro- phe were mingled with a loud cheer as Don Bins dextrously overthrew the bull. A rush was made to where Don Luis lay, Mustang Sam andI—Iurricane Bill being among the foremost, but he was found to have escaped with but a few bruises, and was speedi- ly in. the saddle again. At a signal from Den Munez, two half-wild bulls were separated from the rest, and both loosed at once. The Mex- icuns stood aside, giving the border brothers a fair field. And then, knowing that bright eyes were closely watching them, the scouts——ns they would have expressed it—" jest nnt’ally spread themselves 1” ‘ , ’ Hurricane Bill, upon a large, bony “ buck-skin " from the States, spent no time in “ cutting didoes,”. but, true to his so- briguet, dashed forward and closed with his bull before it could cover a hundred yards. Securing the tail, be flung-the bull heavily upon its side, then leaped to the ground‘directly , in front of the bellowing brute as it scrambled to its feet, a / wild tire iu‘its-eyes, every hair standing upon end. , Uttering his shrill ,wancry, Hurricane Bill grasped the short, thick horns and raised the animal‘s head by main strength. 'With anangry-bellow the bull leaped aside “thought to rid itself of its antagonist. For a moment both feet of the were otf the ground, and it seemed to all. thatin a r A —-_t_»._1.«- a mom runs. 15 moment more/he must be crushed to the ground beneath the sharp, cutting hoofs or else impaled tupon Ithe‘sharp “horns. But it was only for an instant. Then, securing his footing, Hurricane brought every ounce of his strength into play, and twisting the bull’sheadnround until its nose pointed toward the sky, he dextrously kicked one forefoot from under it. And then, withta half-choked bellow of rage and pain, the huge brute .fell heavily to th ground. ' “ Bully fer you, Hurricane l” yelled‘Mustang, as bedasbed past. “ We'll put a wrinkle or two on the greaser’s horns this pop 1“ While his comrade had been thus engaged, Mustang Sam had been keeping his bull in play, riding around and round it upon his magnificent black mustang, preventing it from leaving the vicinity. But now, seeing that all eyes-were bent upon hitn, he set to Work in earnest. Turning the bull toward the stand occupied by the women, Mustang “tailed” him in full view, then lightly leaped from Tornado upon the fallen animal's back. Bellowing and snort. ing with terror the bull leaped up and plunged madly for- ward, striving to unseat its rider, But as well might a-‘huf- ' falo seek to cast off its hump. Mustang Sam clung there \ with the tenacity of a monkey, amid the loud shouts and bursts of laughter at the ridiculous spectacle. Then, as though despairing of ridding iLSelf of the uncomfortable bur- den by leaping and jumping, the bull stretched out over/the plain like a quarter horse. ‘ ‘ Mustang Sam stripped off his jacket and bending forward, flung it over the animal’s eyes, effectually blinding it; then, grasping a born, he pulled heavily upon it, causing the ani- mal to describe a wide, circle. During all this, Tornado, though unsignaied by his mas. ter, acted with almost human intelligence, keeping close be— side the bellowing bull, avoiding its blind charging with a callike activity, its eyes fixed upon itsloved master as though ready to perform its part at the slightet motion. In this manner, as though yoked together, they ran fairly around the corral, and reached the spot where Mustang had first. thrown the bull. Then Sam uttered a single sharp 16 ‘ Humour): ma. 1 I ‘ whistle as he freed his jacket, and Tornado pressed’eloser to the bull until their sides touched. An agile bound, and Mustang Sam was once more seated in the saddle. Then, as if satisfied, he trotted up to the stand and rejoined Isidora. who took him to task for making her laugh herself ill-— which gave Mustang a chance for a compliment; but-.— though they seemed deeply interested in the conversation—l doubt whether the reader Would care for an exact report. But one thing is certain ; if they had never done so ‘before, both Hurricane Bill and Mustang Sam were making love fast and furious now. Nor did either Carmela or Isidore. appear very much (lis- pleased—remember, reader, they manage matters very diil'er- - ently in Mexico from what we do in our cold clime. I But there was one who did not seem to relish the close nt- tentiou ,pnid Carmela, by Hurricane ’ Bill. This was Dull Blas Cnvello, who also——as if satisfied with the skill he had already displayed—abandoned the saddle for the society of the ladies. Hurricane Bill simply smiled at the sullen glances he received. Just then he Was not in the humor for n ‘5 mass.” The sport was continued thus for a couple'o! hours, until each cavalier had an opportunity to display his address and skill. Then preparations were made for a game of another sort. . ‘ ' 'This was cl gallo—the cock. A rooster,its head and neck fairly dripping with grease, was secured by one leg to astunt stake driven into the ground. Starting at a gallop, the Ma- icans rode swiftly toward the spot, bending low down in the saddle and making a grasp at the cock’s neck—the only pnt'i by which it was to he caught. The first half a dozen iniieti, either by the bird dodging aside, or else its greased lltfl'i: slipping through their fingers, but then one managed to hreuk , the cord that bound the fowl to the stake, and with a yell of triumph put spur-silo his steed and dashed away to the “ turn? ing post."—a small clnmp'of cactus— closely followed by the 'others,_whose object was to wrest the fowl from his grasp. The one who succeeded in carrying the bird, or the largest part of it,‘ back to the starting point, was to be hailed the winnerI ‘ whether he Was the one who‘first plucked the fowl ortnot. ' l 7‘ . 4‘ , ~ ' ' ' ‘, 1' , 9, I _t I . \lIE “annual MANY A em,” are. - ‘17. It was a cruel, hut animated sport—the mass of horsemen, some two score in all, straining every nerve, riding ruuklmgly ; and more than once halt a dozen menand animals were to". ing in a confused heap over the ground together. The neck was torn to pieces, and thus the fortunate ones returned to the starting point, bearing in triumph a handful of feathers, or perchance a mangled limb of the ill~starred cock. " Ah! in my time ’twas difi'erent," uttered an old woman to her neighbor. “ In one day Antone Diaz carried ofl‘ three cocks and laid them at my feet alive and without a rufiled feather 1" And the two ancients wagged their white heads sadly over their degenerate descendants. “There are as good men and skillful Cavaliers now as then," a little sharply retorted Don Blas. “ What man has done, man can do again, and I pledge my honor that senorita Car- mela—if she will deign‘ to accept it from my hands—shall . have the next cock, alive and nnhurt.” ' “ Don‘t let him make his words good,” hastily whispered Isldnra to Mustang Sam. “ Sister hates and fears that man —you can foil him.” “ I’d do more than that to please you," quietly replied Mustang. as he whistled to Tornado. Hurricane Bill also took saddle, but a few quick words passed between the comrades, and he, knowing that Mustang far surpassed him in such feats, contented himself with close ly watching the play, holding his buck-skin ready for a sud den burst if it became necessary. At the signal, away dashed the riders, with Don Bias slightly in the lead, Mustang Sam just lapping his quarter, lthe more weight of his finger controlling Tornado. Bending low Don Bias clutched the bird‘s neck, a sharp pull snapping the cord; but the cry of triumph that rose to his lips changed I ', to a bitter curse of rage as Tornado darted forward like a flash and the dextrous fingers of Mustang Sam snapped the fluttering prize from the Mexican‘s fingers. With a slutll, taunting laugh, the Mad Rider gave Tornado free rein and flew over the level plain like a meteor,-changing his grasp to the cook’s feet. I r . Pansing at the cactus clump, Mustang Sam held the cock I , \ ' z "18" . f "nurt‘rttdannarm; ' « aloft,lwith a loud laugh, His competitors were rapidly com- ‘ ’ ing up,‘ though evidently not. a little surprised at the ease with which Tornado had distanced their pet animals. They were destined to wonder still more, ere long. , Mustang Sam dashed round the bush, then sped swiftly at. I right-angles with his original course. The Mexicans turned it ,to cut him ofi‘, plying both spur and quirt, and some of, them uttered shouts of triumph as they neared the black stallion. But Tornado wheeled in his tracks as though upon a pivot‘ ' and with a dozen mighty hounds passed behind the surprised \i’ riders, and headed toward the goal. Now only two horse- men were before Mustang, each heading diagonally toward him. One was Don Blns; the Olllel'kufi Hurricane Bill. Mustang Sam did not change his course, though even the spectators Could see that the others must intercept him. One breathless moment—then came a dull thud—a cloud of dust -a wild laugh as the figure of the Mdd Rider and his match- less steed rose above it, cleaving the air like a swallow on the wing. Hurricane Bill and Don Bias had come into collision, and the smaller animal was overthrown, while Tornado, lifted by the strong hand of his rider, lightly cleared the struggling xmass. And side by side the comrades galloped back to the stand, where Mustang silently presented the unharmed fowl 'to Isidore. As she accepted the trophy, the cock lifted its crest and crowed loudly. ‘ Don Bias Cavello, his gay attire sadly soiled, though he himself had escaped the awkward tumble unharmed, was al- most. speechless with rage and mortificatiou, though he man- aged to articulate sundry hearty curses upon the Irick Hurri- cane Bill had. played him. But even his own partisans, laughed him dotVn on this point, for, in el gallo all ruses and . stratagems are considered legitimate. “ You don’t seem to like. my style, stranger,” said Hurri- cane Bill, quietly, but with a steely glitter in his blue eye \ that could not be mistaken. “ Now I ain’t much on the talk / v 1 -—-t'd ruther act, a durned sight—but I will say this much. You seem to think you’re some pumpkins—mobbe you be. I‘m only Hurricane Bill,‘ from the CherokeeNation—wa teent’y bit 0’ a young greenhorn. But I like to give a man .3. $8M V - “ Take your posish, Hurricane—keep your eyes skinned; I’ll send the second one a few feet to the left 0’ the fuet.” " Let 'em flicker!” Mustang Sam tossed the round gourd high up into the air, and Hurricane Bill’s revolver muzzle followed its motion with a wonderful quickness and steadiness. Just as the little black ball paused—or seemed to pause before returning to ' earth, the weapon exploded. The hall vanished. Instead,- nothing could be seen but a few whirling fragments of the shell that had been so dextrously shattered by the unerring bullet. ' Like an echo came the second report. Mustang Sam did not give the spectators time to vent their wondering admir- ation, but tossed up the second ball. As before, Hurricane. Bill cocked his pistol without lowering his hand, and was in readiness for the flying target, firing with the same result as before. “ Is there any gentleman present who will loan me a som- l brew—one that will not be hurt by an alrhole in the { .crown f" cried Mustang Sum, in Spanish, as he whistled ‘to Tornado, who catne galloping up with s whicker of delight. “ Thanks i" he added, catching one out of the dozen or more -, tossed him. “ Now Hurricane, straddle your critter—work “ 'er up lively, para—hut don't make a mistake au’ sock it to 5 me in the ribs 1” ‘ The tall plainsman made no reply, but vaulted into the saddle and guiding his “ buck-skin ” with the pressure of his knees alone, gulloped out upon the plain. Mustang Sum faced him, holding the stiff sombrero under his curVed arm, the crown facing the marksman. 4 A wild yell—then the border-brothers sped swiftly toward each other. When within twenty yards, Hurricane Bill flung ,i ' up his arm andfired, then, as the animals thundered past. each other, he turned in the saddle and discharged two‘ shots in rapid succession. With a wild, ringing burst of laughter, Mustang 5am wheeled around and gslloped back to where the Mexicans were grouped. " ' ‘- ' \. .\ \ A .V.,_ ,_ H.1u. ' x / »,‘ was man. .“ Senor,‘f,he said, politely,“ I fear your, sombrero is. no longer waterproof, but if a couple of onzas—" , H 7 , The Mexican eagerly grasped the mutilated hat, and gloated over the three round holes, declaring that he would not part with it for a hundred ounces—that he would pie Serve it forever, as a memento of the king shot of the world. “ He can shoot," coolly replied Mustang, “ though this was ;' not a fair test,’ My arm trembled—I injured it while riding ‘ that hull—or you would have found only one hole for the , three bullets." , _ . “.Kiuder easy, Mustang,” muttered Hurricane Bill. “ But, gentlemen,” continued the scout, unheeding his part- ner’s remonstrance, “ there is still one test that is worth see- ing—only it requires steadier nerves than ,I can boast of— the only time I tried it, I trembled a little, and as a natural [consequence I went down with a lead pill through my body. It's this," and as he spoke, Mustang plucked a small. round bladed stiletto from his bosom, placing the haft against his breast, the point outward. “ You hold this toy, thus; he tires at it, and hits the point so exactly that the bullet is threaded upon the blade and is stopped by the guard, here. Now if there is any gentleman present whopwould like to as- sist my friend in performing this marvelous feat, all he—" ‘ “ Marvelous indeed l" exclaimed a voice. 7 “ Did you accept, senor ?" quickly uttered Mustang turning toward Don, Blas. ' “ Thanks—no! I‘ve not yet confessed," quietly replied the Mexican, showing his white teeth. “ Ah ! you are afraid you might tremble, too—well, I think it quite likely you would i" , “ Do you mean, senor, to—-.-" “ I mean whatever you please—can you comprehend that!” coolly retortetl Mustang Sam, bending forward. “ Senor Don Bias Cavello,“ sharply interposed Don Munvz, his dark eye glittering. “ You forget yourself. These goth tlemen are my guests, and as such you must regard and treat them, unless you wish to make me an enemy.” ‘ The black Mexican turned abruptly and called to one of his‘men, who promptly gullopcd out upon the plain, «in r matching up a long lance from the stacked arms beside the :"1- " ‘\ \,.’.‘t e ' x A humus mm. corral fence. Don ‘Blas followed more slowly, coiling his horse-hair losso. ‘ At a signal from his master, the man spurred forward in a line that would carry him, it maintained, past Cnvello at about twenty feet distant. But at a cry from the Don, he ' abruptly checked his animal and flung the heavy lance for- ward with considerable strength and skill. At the same'mo- ment Don Bias launched his lasso, through the air, and then swiftly drawing back his arm, broke the stout lance-shaft in twain, the noose-having encircled the weapon in mid air. It was really a dextrous feet, and the two scouts added their mite to the chorus of approving shouts that rent the I f ‘eir. n single lasso. “ You see, senor, others can hit a flying target as well as you," half sneered Don Bias. “ A lasso cnn he dodged—not so a bullet,” retorted Mus. tang Sum. with a quick signal to his comrade, who seemed about to make a. hasty reply. “ Can you dodge a lasso i" sneered Cavello. “ 1f thrown by you I can—yes, or two—three of them-— for money,” quietly retorted Mustang Sum. At a gesture from Don Bias, 9. little, swarthy men ad- I vanced and produced along leathern pouch from which he extracted a handful of glittering onzns. “How many have you there ?” demanded Mustang. “ Twelve, senor," was the reply, as he counted the handful of gold coins, which Were promptly covered. “ But the terms of the bet," interposed Don Munez. “ That he can not dodgethree of our lassoes—” ‘ “ Let’s make it' a little plainer, senor,” interrupted Mus- tang Sum. “ We nre all to he mounted, armed as we are now, to ride where and how we please. You are each to-nse I will use my knife and yonder broken lance- hutt. It I do not disable your lassoes, you win ; if you fail to unhorse me before then, I win. No other person is to in- terfere, unless one of us attempts to make use of othu- “unp- Vons than the ones named. ' Do you ngtee 2r” ‘ I“ Yes. only—” ““ Well, senor '1" inquier Mustang, us he lnihm ti. “,Ijust happened to think that you might “tell to leave , t , ,mmcaxsz- man. somevmessage for your friends. laughed Don Blas. “ Thank you for nothing, senor. Did you ever hear a coy- ote attempt to imitate the cry of a jaguar? I have.” “ This is a fool trick 0' your’n, Mustang," muttered Hurri- cane Bill, as the Mad Rider turned any from the Mexicans. “ What good can it do you, even s’pose you beat the var- mintsf Better let me walk into the greaser—it ’d be the easiest way." “ Yes, you al’ays want all the fun yourself, pard; but you know me—an' you know Tornado, too. In less’n ten min- utes you’ll see three badly-fooled greasers—an’ mebbe one on ’em with a broken neck. fer he' goin' down, shore l" “Ef they should get the better 0’ you, pard, you kin jest bet'high thar’ll he a hullsale funeral ’tound hyar in hafe less'n no time. I'll show these greasers how a white man kin handle revolvers." ‘ “ You won’t. have the chance, pard. I’m runnin’ this ma- chine,” laughed Mustang. “ Yonder they go i" As he spoke, Don Cavello and two picked men rode apart from the main body, holding their lassoes in hand. Mustang Sam only paused to add: “El.I you see any foul play, sock it to ’em, Hurricane; but don't interfere onless.” Then galloping forward he bent low in the saddle and deftly picked up the broken lance-shaft; a stout piece of wood some six feet or moreiu length. Then making 'a half- eircuit, he wheeled round and faced the three Mexicans. In obedience to a gesture from Don Blas, the two men If so, we will wait for you," shot out to the left and right, evidently meaning to close in». 7 with the American upon the flanks, while their chief attacked him in front. Mustang Sam sat quietly watching them, a bare bowie-knife in his right hand, his left grasping the bridle-reins and the broken shaft. ' A single moment of breathless interest, in which all eyes were rivited upon the brilliant figure of the bold scout, who ‘ was, apparently, the coolest person upon the grounds. ‘ Then came a sudden change. A At a wild yell from the lips of Don Blue! Cavello, the thred you horsemen dashed forward at full speed, the black. snake-like _? swazzag: £3!!! 9 'l’. 8 It / _ ,.' ' i 3 coils of the lassoes swiftly circling above their heads. Then the coils shot through the air, lengthening, settling in a sinuous ' tracery over the motionless form. A cry of wondering apprehension burst from the Mexican , spectators—echoed back in shriller tones from the stand where cluster the women. Surely this is sheer suicide—it seems as I though the hold American had allowed himself to he caught "and dragged from the saddle without a single attempt to ‘ avoid the deadly loops. ‘ Such is the first thought of the spectators, for Mustang ‘ Sam had not moved a muscle until it seemed as though the lassoes were touching his person. Then, however, his action Was too rapid for the human eye to follow, and the next mo: ment he was a score of yards beyond the spot where the ropes fell l Choosing his time well, Mustang Sam raised his left hand to his forehead, thus forming a taut line with reins and the I lance shaft from his head to that of Tornado, and as he felt the cold coils touch his arms. he touched his horse with the spur, at the same time dropping flat upon Tornado’s neck, | thus casting ofl‘ the coils. At the second leap of his noble horse, Mustang Sam wheeled abruptly ,' but it was not to await another attack. It was his ‘v turn to assume the offensive. ‘ ‘ With a low cry he pressed forward,.selecting one of the ' two subordinates for his first prize. Seeing his object, the Mexican, who was hastily drawing in and coiling up his lasso, wheeled his animal and tied at full speed, hoping to evade the American long enough to get ready for another cast. But. as well might a rattlesnake hope to escape a prairie fire by' flight. as for that stunted mustang to measure speed with the king of the desert—bold Tornado. It was ’the wind racing lwith a flash of lightning. A rapid score of those marvelous strides. and then Mustang m _ -4‘. 4. ' Sam bent low in the saddle; a flashing blade—and then the "torderer laughed loudly as he arose holding on high the ring and of the Merican’s lasso. _ v “ Look out, Mustang—thru- comes t’other cusses l” veiled ‘Rurricane Bill, warningiy; but his partner was fully upon \ '/,. \ '\ HURRICANE BILL. \ ' ‘ I With another ringing laugh he wheeled around and sped ‘ away at an abrupt tangent. so as to bring the second vuquero nearest to him, while Don Bias was still two hundred yards away. The spectators fairly held their breath as they saw the scout dashing directly in front of the vaquero, who “WES ' preparing to make his second cast. But in his haste to im- prove this favorable opportunity, he fell into the very trap laid for him by quick-wilted Mustang. It seemed as though a single second would carry the black horse beyond range and this thought caused the Mexican to hurl the rope too hastily for accuracy, and the black coil was flying over the scout‘s head’, when he flung up his stick and caught the rope. Another cry broke from the spectators, and‘Hurricane Bill half raised his revolver, with a grating- curse. All believed that Mustang had been caught around the wrist while trying to cast aside the noose. Guiding Tornado simply by the pressure of his knees and the swaying of his body, the scout dashed toward the vaque- r0; drawing in the rope hand 'over‘hand, until within twenty feet of hitii. Then, like a flash he circled round the aston- ./ ished horseman, who, ere he divined the object of his antag- onist, was hurled heavily to the ground together with his horse, whose legs were entangled in‘the coil. sweep of his knife, Mustang severed the Jesse, and uttered a second yell of triumph. But at the same moment. he felt a. snaky coil strike his head and breast, and knew that he was caught in the toils by Don Bias Cavello, who had galloped up just in time to avenge . the downfall of his last vaquero. His lasso, true to its aim, passed fairly over the scout’s head and shoulders, tightening around his chest, pinning both arms to his side. 1 Had not Tornado been so perfectly trained, had he not so fully understood every motion, touch and tone of his rider, the daring scout would have ended his race then and there, for‘Don CaVelio wheeled his horse to flee, intending to pluck‘j his antagonist from the saddle, and once unsealed, Mustang Sam would havelmet with slight mercy at the swart Mexi~ ' can's hands, for he had not forgotten the recent defeat he v had suffered, and would risk the vengeance of Hurricane Bill- ,or even the just anger of “his own countrymen at his break 3 / M t/ Then with one t- l. I. l! e a is Y rev * having freed his arms from the horsehair noose. A THRILLING' noun: Ting the rules of the trial, once he had the hold scout at his gmercy. He inwardly vowed not to check his horse while ieven the senihlauce of life remained in the body dragging ;helplessly at his saddle-bow. Bot Mustang Sam uttered a single cry—not one of pain I nor of- alarm, though he was even thenjerked sharply backward lunttl his shoulders touched the croup of his animal. It was a isignal that Tornado perfectly understood and promptly ,obeyed, wheeling on his heels like a pivot, then with one < ’great bound loosening the cutting strain upon his master’s. {body sufficiently to allow him to rise erect in the saddle. ' Don Blas Cavello was spurring furiously on, listening thirstin to hear the dull thud of the body striking upon the )sand as it was plucked from the saddle; but this sound did ,3 not come. Instead. the strain of the lasso across his thigh- ' Was lessened, and he quickly turned his head to glance back. A” furious curse broke from his lips. He saw Mustang Sam 'sitting erect in the saddle, while the big hlkek stallion was dashing toward him with wounderful speed, lessening the in- } tervening distance with alarming rapidity. And, a strange , fear thrilling his heart, Don Bias plied both spurs and cut- ; ting quirt, leaning forward as though to urge his animal to I greater speed by the weight of his body. ' Thrilling in every nerve, their eyes flashing, with hated . breath the spectators watched the result. But Hurricane iBill replaced his revolver in its scahhard, and leaning hack 3 in the saddle yelled and roared with mirth at this ludicrous change in the state of affairs, until his horse, frightened by blS s‘tentorian shouts, began plunging and bucking with far more energy than ease to its rider, causing the scout to pit his utmost skill in play to prevent. being thrown. But one thing astonished the spectators. .Mustang Sum still galloped on with the rope around his body, not even What can it mean? Has he been injured by the violent jerk? ‘ If Don Blas should outrun the black muétang—and his ani« mal is a good one, well known for both its speed and hot- toin—the scout may still be plucked from the saddle. Hurricane Bill alone understands why his comrade acts {bust .He knows that Mustang,,Sanr has resolved, upon teach' / I / . as . mamma- mu. ing the sullen Mexican 91 lesson-rs lesson that will he Je- t _ ‘ member-ed as long as the breath of life remains in his body. t l" Ytt he means to teach this lesson willow breaking either in letter or spirit the rules of the contest. ‘ V This is why he does not cast. off the noose, why he does “ not make use of the keen knife in his hand to sever the rope: V and this is the reason, too, why Tornado does not more speedily overhaul the fleeinc Mexican. Don Bias is proud , and self-conceited. His words and demeanor have evidenced this. He is in love with Carmela Manes—that too is plain. Then what must be his feelings to fly like a very coward from ‘ a single man, with her bright eyes looking down upon his : discomfiture? He was receiving a lesson—a hitter one. v Ks though he meant to end it all at once, Don Bias drew his bright cuchillo, resolved toycut the lasso, though it went ' strongly against the grain. “ Hold 1” shouted Mustang Sam, sharply, “remember tltet i rules—you are to use no weapons but the lasso. Break them, I, i I l l and by the Eternal! I’ll shoot you like a coyote i" / i Don Bias hesitated, seemingly in doubt whether to brave the threatened shot. That delay was fatal to his hopes of ‘ escaping ignominious defeat. In answer to a low, peculiar cry, Tornado increased his speed, tairiy flying over the ground, and ten seconds later was treading on the spotted mustang's heels. Then, for the first time since beginning the strange,” ' race, Mustang Sum touched the bridle-reins. Tornado rose , into the air and bounded forward, alightiug fairly upon the ‘ spotted mustang's haunches, crushing him to the ground like ‘ 3 blade of grass. ' At the same instant Mustang Sam severed the lasso and rode over the struggling heap, laughing loud? and shrilly. IIai was that an echo? It is long drawn, shrill and piercing—but it lacks the tinge of mirth. Again! Now other sounds mingle with it—the terrified ,shrieks of women ——the quavering shouts of men—almost drowned by the wild, blood-.curdling chorus. x, “ Indictm—Patchiea, by the Etarnall” gritted Mustang. 1 And the scout was right. The Apaches were upon them t ’pnmnHu—_ B te‘S “ e : Ire so he} ke' 1d ad th en CHAPTER III. 'rwo BRAVE MEN. THE Indians were upon them 1 Swiftly approaching in a crowded mass with an irregular front. the soft sand mufl'ling the thunder of their nmstangs’ ‘ hoofs, now yelling loud and shrilly with triumphant cadence, as though celebrating their victory are a single blow was dealt. And why not? They were dealing with the con-, ‘ temned, despised race—their “slaves and providers "—the Mexicans. They are accustomed to see hundreds give way before tens during these forays. They seldom have to tight. for their booty. More than one instance can be shown where less than a score Apaches have charged upon and put to flight. a full company of Mexican regulars. Scam wonder. then, that this war-party should Charge so boldly, since they ware fully the equal of the Mexicans in numbers. It may seem strange how the Apaches 1could have drawn so near, unobserved, since there was little or no cover within nearly two miles, behind which they could 'have advanced. 5 But the solution is plain. The attention of all was riveted upon the two horsemen before them. after Mustang Sam’s dexterous defeat of the two vaqueros. The report of a cannon could scarce- ly have broken the spell that held the spectators en- chained—mnch less. then,» the faint. rumble of boots that alone marked the swift advance of the prairie hornets. Br- sides, the “ grand stand "—'-lltat occupied by the women—in terVencd ; even had the Mexicans Cast. a glance behind them they could have seen nothing alarming. Thus it was that the thrilling war-whoop of the Apache chief first told them of the impending peril. And then all Was terror and confusion, dashing to and fro, shouting. curs lag and praying in the same breath. ‘ > “ Ye cussed fools!" yelled Hurricane Bill, with angry con- ‘ _' “in!” Vim“ “P011 his/flushed features, as he dashed his .' x - I HURRICANE BM. huge buck-skin into the midst of the trembling, half’ distracted r crbwd. “Think o' y'ur weemin-—-will ye let the‘Patchies work thar will on your wives an‘ daughters ’ithout: strikin’ a i - single lick to save ’em from wuss than death? To h—l wi' sech or’nary cowards l” And with this emphatic expression of his opinion for the “greasers,” Hurricane Bill wheeled his horse and dashed ’ around the end of the corral, holding a cocked revolver in \ each hand. “ ’l‘o arms, friends—if we can not save our dear ones, at least we will die defending them i" cried Don Munez, sud- denly overcoming his confusion. “ Quick—to the weapons yonder! Holy Mother of Mercy grant us strength and skill to preserve our helpless loved ones from this terrible danger l" The Mexicans are not necessarily all cowards, though their mode of life is enervating. In this case they only nerdett a leader—-one to encourage and direct them ; and when Don Munez and his‘ son, Luis, galloped to where their lltllcus, swords and fire-arms Were stacked beside the corral, they followed promptly enough. And as each man clutched the first: weapons he could seize, aseries of swiftly succeeding shots echoed from beyond the stand, mingled with wild yells of rage and death-agony. They knew that Hurricane Bill was at work, and a loud cheer broke from their lungs. When Hurricane Bill, “ of the Cherokee Nation,” dashed around the corral fence, he had only one thought; that the bright-eyed maiden whose beauleous face and soft tones had made such a deep impression upon his heart, was in danger of death—or worse. Without giving a single thought to the danger he himself was running, he galloped forwmd to place his body between her and the enetny. It was the act of a ‘brave man, if not a prudent. Fifty Wolf" Apaches, mounted on their small, Catlike ponies, their half-naked bodies painted with varied and sig‘ nificant emblems, brandishing their long scalp-bedecked lances, their fire-arms, their bows and arrows, yelling, whooping, screeching like fiends fresh-loosed from pandemonium for a / holiday. . ' ‘And yet Hurricane Bill dashed forward to meet them “llll ' l ' One ol the grand (“Visions of the Apache natlon. I (in fin um silv ng tinn tine. miss of d. .dt‘op t », bot s Al Apac hold I e '“Uuti horse ‘0 bret “tough t“figs ( Writhiu mmketr But stil HUMAN V'IARGETB. ' outstretched hands elasping the revolvers he knew so Well how to handle, his face sternly set, his blue eyes glittering ~l like burnished steel, his long yellow locks streaming out from beneath the gray felt hat like the trail of a. comet. It was a thrilling—a glorious sight l In amazement at this strange and unlocked-for move, the Apaches, with little cries of wonder and doubt, involuntarily pressed hard upon their reins, checking their snorting ponies, Almost simultaneously, Hurricane Bill uttered a sharp cry, and his well-trained buck-skin halted instantly, standing like a statue of clay before the dusky, paint-hedanbed horde. And then, so rapidly that mortal tongue could not follow the reports, the revolvers of the plainsman vnmited forth their contents, carrying death into the closely crowded ranks of the Apaches, emptying blankets and robes like magic. 80 swiftly did the reports succeed each other, that it sounded like one long roll of a tenor drum—as though the marksman was firing at random. ' But such was not the case. Not a bullet left its chamber until one of the astonished Apaches was covered .with the silvar drop. And the eye that had guided the six bullets against-the keen "edge of Mustang Sam’s bowie-knife a short time previously, did not fail the bold scout now; True and ttncrring as though guided by the hand of fate, the leader: ed V missiles sped to their mark; and the air was rent with yells of death agony as savage after savage flung aloft his arms, an" t ,— iv N .fit'oltping beneath the trampling hoofs, tearing and biting the ,9, ,_ hot sand in their last throes. he ‘, All this occupied scarce a score of seconds, and before the we t I Apaches could recover from the astonishment into which his . a link} and unlocked for attack had cast them, Hurricane Bill ' had emptied his second revolver, and then, with a shrill, ‘ mm daunting laugh, be grasped the loose reins and wheeled his 535,, horse us though to seek safety in flight. This action seemed ‘cfl' ‘to break the spell that' fettered the Indians, and they be- ).mg‘ 2thought themselves of their weapons. as they urged their mus- .or a tangs over the bodies of their fallen comrades who were Writhing in agony, or else still in the embrace of death. And 1, 'lnuskets were tired, bows were drawn and arrows: loosed. “it ., But still the scout dashed On, his wild laugh maddening the HURRICANE BILL savages.” the missiles whistled through the air above and , around him, not one even brushing his garments or touching a hair of gaunt buck-skin, who was now stretching out like a ’ full-blooded racer entering the home-stretch. As Httricane Bill dashed up in front of the stand on which were kneeling the pale and terror-stricken women, he ' uttered a shout of encouragement, just as the Mexicans, head~ ed by Don Munez and Luis rode around the corner. .“ Give ’em glory l" yelled Hurricane, as he turned aside to prevent avcollision. “I’ll he wi‘ you soon ’s I kin load up. ’Member you're fightin’ fer more’n life now—its fer your witmnen 1" With these words he circled around, deftly removing the empty cylinders and replacing them with two others, already loaded and capped, which he took from his pocket. , “ Strike home, men—strike for our women—not an Apache shall touch them while one of us can liit a hand in their dew tense l" thundered Munez,’ as he discharged his escopette, the bullet lodging in the breast of the foremost mustang, who fell, with an almost human scream of agony, pitching its dusky rider far over its head. ‘ “ Bock it to ’em, sports—work ’er up lively l" howled Mus- tang Sam. us Tornado carried him like a flash into their midst. “Whoo-oopl hyars y'ur high-muck-a-muck from Bit- ter Crick—the squealiu’ painter of Stinkin’ river— the untamed guloor as grows fat on powder-soup an’ lead chow-chow— witoo-oop l” Barelteaded, a reckless smile upon his handsome features, a revolver in his left hand, the other clasping a heavy bowie- ' knife, Mustang Sam dashed down upon the Apaches as though utterly careless of life. Their arrows hurtled harmlesst past him—but they had not time. to notch a second shaft ere he was upon them, his revolver vomiting forth death, his bowie-knife cutting the air in swift circles as Tornado carried him into the very midst of the enemy. And the noble stal- lion tore at the mustangs with his strong, white teeth, and t struck out at. them viciously with his fore feet, clearing a- path for himself with wonderful celerlty. And now the bold rider sways quickly in the saddle as a gleaming lance-point ‘ almost brushes: his breast, and'lcatohipg the shaft under; his A' l , . mustang—An.-- '5!” I: i a name‘s-mm. ‘ w , arm he snaps it short of, at the same? time bringing down , his heavy-bladed knife with resistless force. The Apache instinctively flung up his arm to ward off the blow, but the keen point would not be denied, and the half-severed mem‘ her was pinned tight to the warrior‘s massive chest, while the guard and full half of the horn hat't was hidden in the quiv- ering arm, so furious was the blow. With one irefl'ectua. effort to free his knife, Mustang Sam " released it, and drawing a second revolver, opened a fresh! fusilade, while Tornado, at a touch of its rider’s heel, began - kicking and plunging, wheeling swiftly here and there. heat- ing back the infuriated Apaches who sought to close with the plainsman. And, his shrill laugh rising even above the hor- rible tumult, Mustang Sam plied his deadly revolvers, beud~ ing and swaying, at times fairly out of the saddle as he dex- trously evaded the lance-points, hutchets and knives that were hurled at him by the maddened savages. He was in his element now. His was anature that reveled in danger—at no time was he so happy as when owing his life to the strength of his hand, the quickness of his eye—as when he was in the midst of death and bloodshed; he seemed a very battle-fiend. The Mexicans charged boldly enough, for they were greatly encouraged by the reckless daring and astonishing prowess displayed by the border brothers, preof of which lay thick strewn upon the sands. And, when their constitutional dread of the Apaches—it may well be called this, since it is handed down from father to son, generation after generation; ’ r. and to this day, one hundred Apaches can ride from one end of Mexico to the other without fear of being nttnclted,so thoroughly have the Mexicans been cowed. Yet, when ' Penned, they need Only a leader to show fight—ay, and to fight hantully, too. ' And so—after a hasty volley of escopette bullets which, badly aimed of course, did little execution—they charg- d home with leveled lances and drawn swords, led by Don Munez and Luis, who gulloped side by, side. And then en- ltled a confused, ever changing yet always thrilling tableau 0! death. No one thought. of keeping ranks, but singling out j \ I toeman,vlost sight of all else until death filmed the eyes of ‘ . one or the other.. »And high above the shrill yells. the hoarse cheers and'ctn‘ses, the ,shrieks of pain and rage, the frantic, unearthly screams of the half-tamed mustangs as they tore and bit at each other, emulating the blood-thirsty fury of their masters, the clatter and clink of opposing weapons, the muflied thunder of the horses’ beefs, arose the clear, taunting laugh of the Mad Rider as he added to the list of deaths scored against his name. It was a wild, thrilling scene—one that a skillful brush might give a. faint idea. of; but what pen can delineate such a confused duel a la mort? And then the Mexicans succeeded in cutting a-bloody path through their dusky enemies—though it was more through the frantic efl‘orts of the horses to extricate themselves from the fearful press, than any fixed purpose the riders had in 'view. Then, thoroughly warmed to the fray, they wheeled to charge the disordered enemy once more, and, by so doing, they faced the stand occupied by the ladies. A simultaneous yell of horror broke from their lips. A new horror threat- ened them. A number of the Apaches had not paused to join in, the fight, but dashing on, were even now clamhering up the rude steps of the frail pavilion, yelling and exultant, brandishing their knives and hatchets that Were soon to be reddened in the life blood of the helpless women who cowered there, cling- ing together as if for mutual protection, too terrified to shriek. A single scream, wild and piercing as that of the war eagle—something that seemed like a flash of yellow light— and then the rapid detonatious of revolvers. It was Hurricane Bill, who had just discovered the purpose, of the Apaches, and, having slipped the extra cylinders into place, he urged buck-skin to the rescue. In as many seconds two of the Apaches bit the dust; and then—leaping from the saddle without pausing to rein in buck-skin, Hurricane alighted half way up the flight of steps, in the very midst ot the as- ' tounded Apaches. And once more the daring plainsman gave an exhibition of his woudrdus quickness of eye and accuracy of him, never I missile missing its mark, nearly every one’ carrying death, “POI: its swift. wings. And as yet. not asingle hlow had been zeta-ed “him-by the suspefied heathens. t V ' is re ed ,0“ ver all) r can l 7 A name um, ,r. > But then oneo! them—a wretch whose back, had been v [V'Jbroken by afbullet—dragged himself by main strength over ‘the step upon which he was lying, and rolled heavily against the scout's feet. Hurricane Bill was standing sideways, facing ' the two surviving braves, when he was thrown heavily down by the body striking his feet from under him. This accident seemed to break the spell, and the two Apa- ches leaped toward him with uplifted hatchets. The plains man could not regain his feet in time to meetaud parry their blow. Death seemed inevitable, and a wailing cry hroku from the trembling women as they closed their eyes to shut out the dread fate of their brave defender. But like magic another figure appeared upon the scene, and there was a steely gleam through the air—then another'of ‘ blood red hue. Two strokes of a straight, heavy sword—'two blows that, delivered by a stout arm guided by a. practiced eye, carried death with them. Sweeping the blood-stained blade around his head, the new comer cried, .in a clear, ringing tone: “ Hol men—to the rescue i" It was none other than Don Blas Cavello, who had hastily cleared himself from the struggles of his crippled mustang, and seeing the approaching Apaches, had run swiftly to where he had deposited his weapons when entering into the contest of skill with Mustang Sam. Securing these, he hastened to join his men ; for, whatever might be his lailings, cowardice was not one of them. Just as be rounded the corral, hesuw the savages clambering ‘up toward the helpless Women, and, in his mud passion for Carmela, he thought not of the peril he might incur, but dashed to her assistance. Hurricane Bill utstripped him, but he was just in time to foil the exultunt Apaches, and, thanks to his trusty sword, save the scout's life. “Bully fer you, sport—you’re a brick i” cried Hurricane, scrambling to his feet. “ But look out—hyar the vsrmints come, red~hot fer ha‘r l" The Apaches were indeed coming. They—like the whites F'httd witnessed the dare-devil act of Hurricane Bill, and rage was raised to perfect. frenzy as they saw the rapid :,,,;Ilnughter of their comrades. , With furious yells they charged, ‘ 16 ‘ .n, a" - I Ecumenisman ' 9 for the moment forgetting the foes they had just separated from, seeing only the man who had dealt such swift, deadly blows to their hopes. And close upon their heels thundered the Mexicans, led by Mustang Sam, whose voice rose above the tumult. “ Stick it out, pard—hyar we come—whoo-oop 1" “For your women, men—think of them and strikehomel”, thundered Don Munez, using his bloody sword as a spur. “ One stout blow, and the victory is ours l” The Apaches dashed on as though they meant to ascend the pavilion on horseback, those in front with lances leveled at the two bold men who alone stood betwacn them and their prey, the one swinging his sword in swift circles, the other sending bullet after bullet home with a cool steadiness that nothing could shake. A peculiar, crackling sound was heard as the keen sword swept around, and half a dozon spear-heads fell clattering to the steps, severed clean from the stout shafts. Again the weapon whirled around, this time sinking deep through flesh and bone—for the leading Apaches had leaped from their an- a 1 imals and were now dashing up the steps. And the next . moment the two men were borne down, though fighting with desperate energy, beneath the mad rush of the savages. And still other Apaches pressed on toward the now helpless wo- men. It was a scene of horror—the merciless hatchet and scalp- ing-knife were at work—screams of terror were mingled with ,those of death agony. With a howl of mexpressible fury, Mustang Sam sprung from Tornado’s back and plunged into the mass, using his terrible bowie-knife with all the skill and dexterity of its fumed inventor. And for a few moments he was alone in the midst of his enemies, at number of whom turned upon him thirstin'g for his blood, for they recognized the man who had written his name‘so deeply upon their ranks. ’l‘hen Don Munez and his comrades appeared upon the scene and pressed the enemy hard, for they fought now more like Illutltlened wild beasts than mere men, with the sight of their murdered loved ones for an. incentive. And the Apat- -. shes \begau to sicken or this deadly, unoeasingt pressure. r , I t P! m,» ‘ - ' Flight not only from the one Apache, whose 00%, sirens? m ransom Only that they had been wrought up to maniacal frenzy, their heavy loss would have cowed them, long since. ' Though so hardly piessed, Mustang Sam recognized the voice of Isidore raised in a cry for help, and caught a glimpse of her struggling in the arms of a brawny warrior, who ap- peared to be hearing her away. And then be fairly outdid himself. No eye could follow his motions—but ten seconds later he found himself free, he could not himself explain how. He had lost his knife but snatched up a stout sword, then leaped down the steps, whistling to Tornado. He could see ‘ the Apache just dashing away over the plain, bearing the struggling maiden in his arms, three or four comrades riding behind him. And then, just as he sprung into the saddle, Mustang Sam saw the Indian raise his clenched fist and strike the maiden a cruel blow, to still her efiorts to escape. Then Isidora lay like one dead in his arms. ’ Too full of rage to speak or shout, Mustang Sam plied his spurs mercilessly and thundered after the fugitives, unheeding the short whicker of remonstrance that came from the aston- ished Tornado at this unwonted usage. V Before a mile was covered, the noble block carried its master up to the Apaches, who were doing their best to as cape. And then, with two sweeping strokes, that severed flesh and bones like so much snow, Mustang Sam found him- self within arm‘s length of the savage abductor, who, seeing that flight was useless. attempted to plunge a knife into the swelling bosom, that just touched his chest. But thought itself was not quicker than the motion of the Mud Rider, and a yell of agony broke from the savage's lips as his forearm fell to the ground. The keen sword had new ,eretl it at one adroit stroke. And the next moment Mustang Sam caught the drooping form of Isidora in his arms, and dashed forward, Tornado uttering a piercing neigh of pain; Glancing buck, Mustang Sam saw the remaining Apache notéhing a second shaft, the first having penetrated Tornado’s hind, leg. Incumbered as he was with the just reviving maiden, and armed only with the sword, his revolvers being , empty, there was only one course left; he must seek safety for his charge in flight, at least until he could prepare his 87' '- J", \ r -, . ‘rmamo‘mn min. radcn'he had slain or disabled; the backward glance showed ' ’ himover a dozen of the ApuChes riding swiftly toward him. They had been defeated at the pavilion, and now, seeing this doubly-laden horse, had doubtless resolved to wreak their vengeance upon them. At first Mustang Sam felt like laughing, knowing what Tornado was capable of, even when doubly laden, as now. But then he saw, or felt, that the black was running heavily,., as though distressed. And he knew that the arrow had in-i' jurcd some of the tendons of his leg. Yet the noble brute thundered on. He would not succumb to any thing less than death. Yet, as mile after mile was traversed, Mustang Sam saw that the Apaches were slowly but steadily overhauling them. The result could only be a. matter of time. Still, as the range of hills beyond loomed up nearer, he hoped to reach some point where he could make a stout fight for life, and make the victory a dear one to the savages. With this - - thought he carefully reloaded his revolver; a task easier than may be supposed, since he had only to bite ofi‘ the end of the paper cartridges, then ram them home. While thus engaged, ‘ Tornado reached the hills, and entered a narrow pass. A wild cry broke from Isidora’s pallid lips. “ Holy Mother of Mercy! we are entering a pocket I" C H A P T E R I V . HURRICANE mm. PLAYS A “ LONE HAND.” Born Hurricane Bill and Don Bias Cavello went down before the mad rush ’ot the Apaches, and it seemed as though their lease of life had about expired. But such was not the case with Hurricane, at least. The thread of his life was not yet all reeled out. ' I To his other border accomplishments, Hurricane Bill added “gator a, “first-class rough-an’-tumble operates”, ‘Thls was I ~ end‘ii an accomplishment almost indispensable to a life along. ' ~3_a.c,,_.‘.. J r w ' ROUGE-mm. the border—lit Kansas, Texas, and, particularly, the Indian Territory—unless one wished to go under with his boots on. " Ofwthe two methods of arranging such little difl'ercnces as might chance to arise between friends, a “ rough-and-tumhle " was far more popular than knife-play or revolver practice. because the argument was more protracted, affording the epi- curean spectator ample time to digest the more brilliant points; while, as Long Ben flackett told me in ’67—“ T’other way’s over too darned quick. Three times now, hev I bin whar Hurricane Bill laid out his man, but, though I looked all I knowed how. durned ef he wasn’t so lightnin’ thet it was all over More 1 knowed who he was pepperin’ l" But I digrrss. , Hurricane Bill now gave the Apaches a specimen of his rough-and-tumble science, not. a little to their discontfiture. Just as they made the frantic rush, the scout had emptied his revolvers. and thrust them hastily into his breast to draw his bowie. But then his foot slipping in a pool of blood, he fell heavily, beneath half a dozen Apaches. \ The shock was severe, but Hurricane Bill did not stop to ask whether any bones were broken. Putting his utmost strength into play, he rose half-erect, lifting the tangled lump of Apaches, and getting both feet well beneath his body. Then, he l—though the efl‘ort seemed about to tear the mem- bers from their sockets—he wrenched his arms free. The Apaches were trying to use‘ their weapons, but their very haste and blind rage proved the scout’s preservation. The strokes and thrusts were wildly delivered, and half were intercepted by clashing with some other weapon. The other blows were oftener received by copper-skins than white, though hot blood trickled from more than one wound upon I. Hurricane Bill‘s body. But in the intense excitement he \ scarce knew that he was touched—most assuredly he was not weakened. His arms free, Hurricane Bill shot out his hard fists in swiftly-repeated blows, with a careless disregard of conse- quences, flattening noses, loosening teeth and making cross- eyed Indians, whose optics had heretofore been as straight- forward as their owners’ consciences had been crooked. ' r ’ ’ Contused ma bewildered by these—to them-mm} tas- _,816 I mnan’rom m ‘ fies, the Apaches fell or were knocked back, and then, find; ing himself free. Hurricane Bill flushed forth his bowie-knife, andvcutting down the nearest savage with one swift blow, he dashed up the steps and plugged into the mingled mass of Indians and Mexicans. A hoarse, howling yell broke from his lips as he saw Car- mela struggling in the ruthless grasp of a wiry Apache, whose left. hand was wreathed in her long hair, brutally pull- ing her head back, while a blood-dripping knife was quiver- ing above the snow-white throat. And the same glance showed Hurricane that he could not reach her side in time “to Ward ofi‘ the impending blow, for half a dozen bodies in- tervened locked together in a death-grapple. Thought was not swifter than his action. The heavy Mwie-knife left his hand and cleaving the air like a meteor, sunk to the very hilt in the Apache’s throat. A gurgling", strangling cry, and then the bloody weapon descended. But it was unguided. The Indian fell back,death-stricken. The knife, falling, barely grazed the cheek of Carmela, who knew not how narrowly she had escaped death, for she had fainted. His arms seemed to possess the power of a weaver’s beam, as Hurricane Bill cleared his way to Carmela’s side, nor did he take time to select Apaches alone as the recipients of his blows—both red-skin and white went down before his mad rush. And then stamping upon the tight-clenched hand of the Apache as the quickest method of freeing Carmela’s hair, the scout lifted her in his arms and leaped down into the corral below. The terrified cattle were plunging to and fro, wrought to fury by the horrible admixture of sounds from above, and it was not without. actual peril that Bill crossed the corral and scaled the fence of the smaller inclosure, from which, as will be remembered, all the selected bulls had been freed to fur- nish sport for the horsemen. Lightly dropping the half. senseless maiden into the—as he believed—place of safety Hurricane Bill leaped down and dashed back to the pavilion to play his part in the last act of. the tragedy. Jusr 3, he . V we. clamharing up the pavilion ' side, a begrim‘ed and blood- stained face was thrust close to his, and a hoarse voice ut- ' Mexicans to follow his lead. gave them'little heed. 'Mustnng Sam was t’- . ._ w, ‘.‘ l . r . “ Where is she l—what. have you done wittharlnela t" ‘ “ In the small corral—go look after her—“you’re wounded and \can't do much fighting,” promptly replied Hurricane, recognizing Don Bias Cavello in the questioner. The Mexican uttered something more, but what it wag Hurricane Bill never knew. It was at this moment that Mustang Sam called up Tornado and dashed off in hot pur- suit of the Apache who had tied with Isidora. ’ Hurricane recognized the signal and darted forward to see" what it meant. Asingle glance told him how atfairs stood, and he instantly whistled for buck-skin, forgetting all else but the peril into which his loved partner was rushing. Not only from the four Indians whom he was chasing, but the Apaches—those who had survived the furious struggle—Were all fleeing, mounting their horses in hot haste, pursued by the victorious Mexicans. Hurricane saw that Mustang Sam ,was riding direct toward the heart of Apacheria, the course that would almost Certainly be followed by the retreating redekins. And caught between two fires, the bold scout could scarcely escape capture or death, unless something turned up in his favor. ’ " “ But they csin’t have it all that own way—cuss ’eml I'll take a hand in this little game, myself I Cuss that bucks skin—whar is the critter?” gritted Hurricane Bill. as he leaped to the ground and dashed out upon the plain, still 'aounding his shrill summons. It was scarce a minute, though to the impatient scout it appeared ten times that period, before the shrill whicker of buck-skin was heard in reply, as the big horse came galloping around the corral. Emulating his master, buck-skin had been giving the Apache Mustangs a taste of his metal, and sundry wet and bleeding spots upon his long body proved“ that he had not escaped soot-free. Hurricane Bill leaped into the saddle, shouting to th But he did not wait to see whether they obeyed or not. Giving buckskin a touclr of the spare. he darted, straight as an arrow, toward the cloud of dust. which he knew hovered above Mustang Sam. Other eyes were riVetednpou this same p0int,‘but Hurricane Bill » \ ‘ t in dangergnid " t "lumen: min. only one thing could prevent the tall plainsman from sharing / inlthat peril—death. . Occasionally touching up buck-skin with the spur, Hurri- cane let the reins lie loose, both hands being occupied load- ing his revolvers. Biting off the folded hit of paper so he could pour the powder into the chamber, thus making a missn fire the next thing to impossible, he deftly plied the lever, ramming each ball securely home. Then slipping the caps upon the nipples, pressing each one down with the hammer, in less than five minutes Hurricane Bill was ready for work. And as be cast a keen glance around, he for the first time realized what a task he had set himself. Far ahead was Mustang Sam, who had so dextrously res- cued lsidora from the Apaches, but Tornado seemed to be ‘ running with unusual heaviness, like one utterly exhausted, every moment losing ground. Behind him, and about as far in front of Hurricane Bill, were scattered over a score of Apache warriors, each one urging on his pony with voice and heel, eager to secure the scalp of the “ big white brave." It was a novel scene; this triple race. Hurricane Bill knew from their actions that the Apaches had just noticed him, and glancing back, he saw that the Mexicans had entirely withdrawn from the pursuit, evidently having had their fill of fighting. That the Indians were also aware of this fact, Hurricane now had ample proof. Hill! a dozen of the hindmost braves allowed the speed of their ani- mals to slacken, while they looked to their bows and arrows. The blue of the scout’s eyes deepened to n steely glitter as he quickly gathered up and knotted the long reins over buck- skin‘s neck. But he gave no evidence of backing out from the trap that was being set for him. Mustang Sam was ahead, and Hurricane Bill had resolved to join him, if mor- tal man could. If necessary, he would have run the gaunt- ! lat oi the entirejApache nation. , I Sitting firmly erect in the saddle, as though disdaining to bend his proud head, the plainsman urged buck-skin on over the sandy waste with a low, encouraging cry, and nohly did . the yellow home respond. The Apaches—six in number—- .alter many glances, over their shoulders, suddenly wheeled, ‘dfihiing into two parties, the better to attack their hold an. r / x I L \ ‘ "1* '“ rt"? ‘ . , plicaled the tall scout's performance. ‘ seeing the huge buck-skin rearing up as though about to , manta m cam. any. Yelling like perfect fiends, they charged down span the young piainsmau, as though fearful lest the big horse should rob them of their prey by turning in flight. But in this, they were soon set at rest. Hurricane Bill had not the slightest intention of flight. Crack—crack 1 Almost together the two revolvers spoke, one to the right, the other to the left of buck-skin’s head. Their blow forestalled, and with such telling efl‘ect, the Apaches became flurried and discharged their arrows with an unsteady aim, only one of the four reaching its mark. Hur ricane Bill coolly snapped the shaft, leaving the barbed head still sticking in his shoulder. And then, as he dashed abreast the Indians, his revolvers spoke again. A moment later he was speedingrou after the main body, a low, taunting laugh coming back to the two unhurt Apaches behind, who seemed stupefled by their easy defeat. Hurricane Bill was now steadily gaining upon thelApnches, as Well as upon Mustang 8am. He knew that gallant Tor- nado must have been injured, else, even while doubly laden, , he would have shown the swittest of his pursuers a clean pair of heels. ' , “He means to go under a-kickin’,” muttered Hurricane Bill, as he saw how steadily Mustang Sam was making for the narrow pass in the range of hills. “ It’ll be hot work, but I reckin we kin pull oif the odds.” There was still time for him to recharge the four cham here he had emptied, and Hurricane hastily did so. Then, with awild yell,he plunged spurs rowel deep into buck-skin‘s sides and dashed forward like a human thunderbolt. The faithful revolvers Vomited forth their leatlen contents, and then the big States horse dashed into the body of sav- ages, knocking the diminutive ponies right and left, just as a Newfoundland dog will scatter a lot of yelping puppies “ Hurray! Mustang—sock it to ’emil” yelled Hurricane, as he reached the narrow entrance, and disposed of one of the three savage horsemen who blocked up the way. A ringing cheer replied, and a pistol-shot from within du- The other Apache, crush both him and'rnnstarzg to the ground, quickly slipped minnow: mm. , from hie-animal and darted out of danger. With'a wildr; I laugh of exultation, Hurricane Bill plunged forward and the‘ next moment found him beside Mustang Sam. “ Whoo-oopi I said I'd jine ye, pard, an’ I didn’t lie,” I laughed Hurricane Bill, as he wheeled buck-skin so as to face the narrow entrance. from ’em? What‘s wrong wi’ the blackie '2” “ Arrow—’feard he's had hurt—but look out i” r “ Let 'em come—they’ll soon sicken of it," coolly repliedr Bill, cocking his revolver. “ I could whip a tribe hyar, my- self, an’ wi’ yw—thar ain’t red-skins enough this side 0’ h—l to faze us—not much 1” , “ Then I’ll look to her—I dropped her under kiver, when I turned," added Mustang, leaping from Tornado’s back and disappearing amid the bushes. Hurricane Bill followed his example, so far as dismount- ing was concerned, and then glided stealthin forward under cover of the bushes until he could peer out upon the‘level plain. Hcsaw the Apaches grouped beside the entrance, jabbering together excitedly. From the few words the scout could catch, he knew that the party was about equally di- videdin opinion, a portion urging an immediate retreat, the others wishing first to wipe out the three pale-faces. One of» the party who had already been Wounded several tithes, de- clared that it was rank folly to think of attacking such big medicine men in that place, where not more than two braves could advance abreast. With their medicine guns which nevar needed reloading, the pole braves could kill the Apa- ches one after another as fast. as they could advance There was no other way to reach them, excl-pt hy the narrow pass. Therefore he voted for a retreat. The Great Spirit was an- gry with his children, from some cause, and it would he more than folly to tempt his displeasure'further. - "I reckon it's time to put in my vote 1” Chuckled Hurri-' cane Bill, as he Covered one of the Apaches. ‘VAgain the terrible weapons spoke, unerringly. And then. with yells of dismay, the Apaches turned and fled in disorder, thinking Only of leaving the region that. had been so fatal to' lhem, that. day. . _ t I y . - "Take it cool, pard,” laughed Hurricane, as:Mustang Sum. / “ But why didn’t ye run away A ' t ,V‘ ' , ; -,/ I _~ ,4 m 1mm: 'rnsrrl.‘ \ ' ’46 dashed up to his side. “ Thar’s no hurry. 'Thekfun's over fer to-day, any how. Whoo-oopl this ‘is like old times ag'in !" ' _ “ She said it was a ‘ pocket,’ but I reckon we’d better mnk tracks from this, as thar may be another trail hyar," muttered Mustang Sam, with unusual prudence. , Hurricane chuckled. He could give a shrewd guess at v the cause of this sudden change in the usually reckless plains- Inun. Perhaps from sympathy—quien cube? Mustang now looked after 'l‘ornndo. He found an arrow sticking in the noble black’s hind leg, which, while not se- riouslytinjuringr the tendon, had almost prevented that mem- ber from being used. A steady hand and keen knife soon removed the bath, and Tornado, as if to express his relief, uttered a shrill whickcr. Mounting, Mustang Sum rode back a few yards and stooping lifted the form of lsidom Munez in his arms, then motioned for Hurricane Bill to lead "the Way. I And thus they took up the hack trail. Isidora was strangely subdued. She lay confidingly in the strong arms of the man who had dared so much to save her, though her eyes sunk beneath the ardent light that filled his black eyes. C II A P T E R V. A FRESH comrucmron. THAT ride of over two hours—for the scouts were not men to overtssk their faithful brute companions when them wus no absolute need of it, and both Tornado nnd buck-skin had put in a heavy day’s work—amply repaid Mustang Sam for the wounds he had received, and was one never forgotten in after lil'e. Isidore was lying quietly in his arms, one hand ' lesting‘ lightly upon his shoulder, the other clasped in his ’broad, warm palm, her head reposing upon the Mad Rider’s ,/ a-now so subdued and tamed—breast, while her long. fringed . Jill‘ka beneath his ardent gaze, a soft flush tinglng he! r "as ‘ mummy Bran. cheek. ‘ And Hurricane Bill-fthoughtful fellow l—rode on in adiauce, whistling carelessly, rarely glancing back, and when- ‘ ever he dil turn his eyes in that direction, to assure himself that none of the Apaches were returning for revenge, Tor- nado and his double burden might as well have been in the moon for all that the tall plainsman saw. There is no getting around it. reader, Mustang Sam had “ fallen in love “—-over head and ears—with Isidore Muuez, though he had never laid eyes upon her, never even suspect- ed the existence of such a person, before that morning. . Until then he had scoffed at the idea of any true plainsman' tying himself down to a dull, humdrum life with any wo- man—as for him, he would die as he had lived, free as air. And he meant it, too—at the time. But the first bright glance from Isidora’s large, lustrous eyes, so plainly telling what she thought of the handsome, dashing cavalier of whom so many and marvelous tales had been told by such of the “ neighbors ” who had been in arms against the “ heretic invaders,” sent the hot blood coursing through his veins in a new and delightfully-embarrassing manner. And then the touch of her little hand—so soft. so caressing, almost; that drove the nail to the hesd~ and the tragic scenes that followed, in which he had pre- served her from a captivity worse than death, clenched it firmly. Mustang Sam knew that he was “ corruled " at last —aud he struck while the iron was hot, too. Just as he had entered into the sports of the Mexicans, just as he had plunged into the heat of the figltting,just so did the plains- man “make love.” Even while fleeing before the Apaches, when he felt that death was almost inevitable—that their [moments of life were numbered—he had bent his head and pressed‘his lips to here, muttering that they could at least die together—that such an ending would be far preferable than to‘live on without her. And now, on the back trail , that led to her friends, Mustang Sam repented these words And Isidore? She answered him very simply. She raised her head and pressed her ripe, juicy lips to his. At that moment Mustang Sam was in the seventh heaven. Rather quick work, you say, reader 1’ Admitted. In our 90“ elime, Mustang Sam would have been deemed _“ impu- s" ' no apology. "com." 4': dent—a savage, uncivilized ;” Isidore, “forward, unmaideno ly." But in Mexico they manage these things difl‘erently. ‘ It ’ v is a “land of fire "—and nothing is more inflammable than the hearts of the Mexican women. But there—I will attempt I give Mustang Sam’s courtship just as it actu- ally occurred, and as leas satisfied, surely you need raise no objections. “ Yonder is the corral,” suddenly observed Hurricane Bill, without turning his head until he felt assured the attention cf his companions was attracted, “ an’ yonder come the greasers, lickety split. Reckon you'd better let the young lady take a seat ahind me, pard; ’pears like Tornado is a little tired.” “ Not yet, Billy, old boy," laughed Mustang, his voice filled with a proud joy. “We've got a long trail afore us—her ' an' I—which won't eend ontel one or both 0' us goes under, an' I reckon we cain’t begin it at a better time then now. Isidore, little one, this is my pardner, the best an’ truest heart on the plains—you must love him a little, fer my sake." “ So—hol that's the way the cat jumps, then! I knowed p it—I felt it in my bones i" laughed Hurricane; but then, in a quiet, serious tone, he added: “ Little one, good luck, an', God's blessin’ go wi’ you. You couldn’t 'a’ picked out a truer or better man then the one as is now a-holdin' you. He’s the same, come rain or shine. El you cain’t be happy wi’ him, then you're in hard luck. An’ as Sum sais, you must I like me a little, too, fer he an’ me is pardners—I moughtsay ‘ brothers, we cotton to each other so. But thar—your folks is a-comin’ up fast, an’ I won‘t say any more now.” “Not one word ’bo at little one's sister, eh, Hurricane ‘2” “I reckon it‘d‘ sound better said to the sister,” laughed Hurricane Bill, his cheek flushing. “ Mebbe I’ll ax little one to put in a good word fer me than, cf 1 think thar’s any chaince—hellol what’s the matter wi’ them l’ What ’re they yellin' ?" " ' The party of horsemen whom the tall scout had first oh- Isrved as they rode rapidly townrd the’trlo, trout the Corral, ' were now within‘earshot, and Were uttering loud cries, though their words could not be distinguished as yet. A quick / I ‘ \ 4 ,2 I..' t/I" ‘ ,‘ w_ _ mmmcm mu. glance around diuipsted the first thought, that an enemy had- ' suddenly put in an appearance, and not a little puzzled, the two scouts rode on, until they were met by Don Munez and his son, who led the party of Mexicans. I “ My child—my daughter—where is she t” gasped, rather than cried, the old Spaniard, his face ashen white. “ Here senor, safe and unhurt," promptly replied Mustang: “ The Virgin be praised that she is saved 1 But Carmela ——where is she ‘3" added Don Munez. Isidore. uttered a little cry of apprehension. The two scouts interchanged rapid glances. ’l‘hen Hurricane Bill l‘tr- plied, though his voice trembled, despite his attempt at self- control. I "Did you look in the corral ? I put her tltnr out o’ the way 0' the fightiu’, au’ then lit out to help Mustang hyar git back the lady—which we did, as you see." “ We looked in every place—she is gone—Carmela,'my child—my poor child l” huskily muttered Don Munez, while ' Isidore. and Luis added their lamentations to his. “ Thar must be some mistake—the Injuns didn’t kerry her ofi‘, or I'd ’a’ seed somethin’ 0’ her. The hull kit tuck this trail—but thar was only her. Thar’s some deviltry—whar's the greaser that my pard hyar rid down—the black one, dressed like a monkey, I mean P” ' “ He isn’t here—I don’t—” muttered Don Munez, glancing around upon his companions. " He must have fallen in the fight. I haven’t seen hitn since.” “Then he went under after I left the corral—hut ltev any one 0‘ ye noticed his karkidgc—nir ye sure he’s dead Y" The Mexicans one and all slowly shook their heads. 'l‘hov ' did not remember having seen Don Blas since the fight fll'M opened. They were too busy with 103 Indian. Hurricane Bill said no more, but touched buck-skin willt the spur and galloped swiftly to the corral. Leaping from the saddle upon the fence he entered the smaller corral—the one in which he had left Carmela Munoz. It was empty. Quickly, V yet with a keen eye that allowed nothing to escape it, the scout quartered the ground, examining every foot of the in. closure. His discoveries were purely negative. There was no sign of a struggle having taken place, for, though the - <_\ ‘, I l mn's "no". ' , . . l « . sandy soil was deeply cut up and scored by the hoofs of the bulls the Corral had recently contained, this would not have . prevented'Hurricane from reading signs made afterward; There was no blood traces—nothing to tell of atragedy having been enacted. Carmela seemed to have vanished into empty air. ATlength Hurricane Bill turned to the party, who had been anxiously awaiting the result, being restrained by Mus- tang Sam lrom interrupting the scout. “ Now gentlemen, when you answer me a few questions, then I’ll tell you what ’cltsion I’Ve ’rived at. First—who among you knows this feller you called Don Cavello ?” “I know this much," said Don Munez. “ He, together with four men—his vaqtleros, he said——stopped for the night at my house, five days since. He said he was a stranger in these parts, that he was on an expedition after it drove of horses, which he intended driving to Santa Fe for a market. A; I had a few hundred head that I wished to dispose of, I invited him—as he appeared to he a gentleman—to make my house his home until after our little festa, when probably we could come to terms. That is all I know of him—but. why dc you ask l" “ Is any of his men hyar now ‘2" r “ No—none are here hut neighbors—perhaps they were all slain—” hesitated Don Munez. A “ One was—or badly wounded," eagerly interrupted a Mexican. “ He lies at the pavilion, yonder, in ‘great agony, , praying for a. priest that he may not die without absolution.“ “ Now gentlemen,” quickly added Hurricane Bill, “I’ll tell you what. 1 think. Mind, I've no proof, but ’spicion p’ints strong that a-way," and he told how he had met Don Gavello, ’the question and his answer, and that he had noticed the Mexican running toward the smaller corral, as he dashed out to help Mustang Sam. “The lady is gone. Injuns didn’t kerry her off—but somebody must ’a’ did it—t‘er 'tain’t likely she'd 'a' run away herself, even ef she could ’a’ got out 0’ that pen without help. I believe this man you call Dun Cav- ello lies kerried her 011' l” t' " But it don't seem—~whnt reasons could he hare l” ' " Wait ontel we see this.wouuded man 0’ hls’n. It’lh go hard. but we’ll git the truth out ‘0‘ him. Mind-you ain't V aryons 0‘ you to interfere, no matter what I may say or dot ‘I‘m/workiu’ fer the good 0' your daughter, old man‘, but I won't stand no foolin’. The fast critter ns throws as much as a straw in my way, down goes his apple cart!” “Hyar‘s one to back ye, pard," quietly uttered Mustang Sam. “No one will interfere—hut make haste! Think what she—my poor Carmela l—thiuk what she must be suffering now, if it be as you suspect,” groaned the almost distracted ‘o'. 3 father. “I do think, old man—I only wish I didn’t think so much, fer we all need cl’ar brains now, ef we ever did store," said Hurricane Bill, leading the way to- the pavilion. The wounded man was found lying with several others, upon the blood-stained floor of the pavilion, groaning With agony, a lance-thrust with several minor wounds marking his body. It was the second vaquero whom Mustang Sam had overthrown in the contest of knife es. lasso. It was evident that his race was well nigh run, and Hurrieaue’s pride re- volted from threatening a dying man; but then, as he remem- bered Carmela, he steeled his nerves. “ Look here, my man,” he said in the sufl‘erer’s own tongue, as he held a revolver before the Mexican’s eyes while he cocked it significantly. “ Do you want to live long enough to mutter a prayer, or would you rather be tied up to this post for me to split bullets on as I did with the knife this morning 1’" The wounded man averted his eyes with a shudder of ter- ror. ’A Mexican who will face cold steel in an enemy's hand without flinching, will, in nine cases out of ten, show the white feather at sight of a pistol. Hurricane Bill had counted the chances closely. , “ What have I—a dying yuan—done, senor t" gasped the vaquero, huskily. “Not so fast—I am to ask the questions and you are to answer them, friend. But first, let me tell you what will be the result if you refuse. You know how, I can shoot; very ‘well. I will have you tied up to a post, then I’ll pick oi! , your fingers one by one. If this isn‘t enough, I'll break your bones one by one with bullets-but there. You understand was... u.. “HH‘WU 'a‘ttelnpt, won‘t we pard 7" We try to cure you up, but we'll send for a padre to give you uhsolnlion—" “ I will answer—-will speak truthfully, no matter what questions you as ,“ eagerly muttered the wretch. “ Do, and it will he the better for you. First, then—who‘ is this man—your master—whom they called Don Cavello f" With a spasmodic eflor't the vaquero lifted his head and cast a swift glance around. Then, with a gasp as of relief, I he uttered : monomers. 5 I- - :51‘ 7 me. If you are reasonable, and speak plainly, notonly trill ' “ That was all a lie—he is the man 'you know as BLACK " Gancn l" ‘ Had “the man in the moon " suddenly dropped into their midst, the little party could not have been more thoroughly astonished. BLACK GARCIA—the Joaquin Murieta of Mexico; only it was Jouquin‘s blood-thirstincss without Joaquin’s occasional gleam of chivalry, unredeemed by Joaquin‘s fearless daring and dashing gallantry. A cut-throat, a robber, a cattle-thief -woe betide the unlucky Wight who fell into the hands of the Black Mexlcan. Death was certain—often preceded by tortures the most. fliebolical. “ Shet up l" r'et'nly commanded Hurrricnue Bill, adding. “ Wlmt was he after, here? Why was he in disguise P" " He swore he must have the Senorita Carmela for his bride. He meant to carry her of to the retreat—" lag?" “It's in the—the Lopo hills—any one can—ah l" The wounded man'ended with a hollow, gasping groan of agony, and rolling over upon his face, vomited forth great gout: of ‘blood. Then, a convulsive shudder, a spasmodic ao- , tion of the muscles. - But he had told enough. , Beyond all reasonable doubt Carmela had been carried off by the. robber chief to his , mountain retreat. There could be no Other'solution. “ Don’t take it so hard, old man,” said Mustang Sam to Don Munez, who seemed utterly broken down by this new. blow. “ We'll get your childhack again, or go under in the “ Where is this retreat? Mind what I told you about ly~ ' He was dead. \ .../ / Holmium mm. '“ Yeléthliuglt the trail leads to —-— and back ag’in—I gw'u 1t!" ‘gritted Hurricane Bill. , ' t I , . “ Now, then—at once—we are losing time here—~quickl to horse I" cried Don Munez, springing up. " You must. let us run this machine, old man,” coolly re- urned Mustang. " A man never made any thing yet by oing off at half-cock. Both men and horses need rest—and hen there‘s your wounded and your women. They must be taken care of. Pick out such men as you lama you cnn de- pend upon, in a tight pinch. The rest can take the hurtam’t the women back to some place of safety. Then, after we take a bite, and give the horses 11 little grass and water,._we can take up the trail, even if it is dark. You know where the Lopo hills‘are? Good! We can strike the trail then instead of following it all the way. Besides, the night will be dark—we’d have to wait until morning. So you see there’ll be no time lost, after all.” “ You’re right—though ’tis hard to remnin idle even for a moment, when we know my poor child is in such cruel hands,” sighed the old man. I " The rascal will not he apt to bother her until he gets safe to his den; and be sure we'll not be far behind him. Indeed we mu overtake the thief.” Considerably cheered up, Don Munez and his son Luis set to work selecting the men who were to accompany them on the robber-chase. It was an easy matter to make up the de- sired number. Nearly every one of the Mexicans had been, in a greater or less degree, sufi'erers from the band of Black Garcia, and all were eager to strike a return blow, when led by such men as the two scouts, whom they believed invincible, after their performance of that day. The re- mainder were dispatched with the women and the wounded to Don Munez’s rancho, as being the nearest point of safety. The two scouts sat aside from the remainder, silently eat- ‘ ing some of the fragments left from the “banquet” that had been spread for the party at noon. This dispatched, know- ing that Tornado and buck-skin were rapidly filling ‘ their "‘|tides,-the plainsmen filled their pipes, proving themselves :W’lo'vers of the “divine weed " by' exheling the soothing; hast-ant vapor through their nostrils. t . , _ , ‘1 . new It “Mustang, old pard," suddenly observed Hurricane Bill. with a aideiong glance at his comrade. I“ It's hard lines on me, your ,freezin' to this little one—though 'I’m boon" to say you’ve struck it rich. She‘s one 0’ them kind ye read about‘ 0716 is? But then. it knocks me eendways. You’ll go git spliced—then what? She caiu’t traipse the plains wi’ us ’ -—nur she ain’t the kind 0’ property most any feller’d keer to leave ahind hitn. You‘ll settle down—that’s what's the matter. Then whar’s my pard? Durned ef I ain’t up u stump l" “ You want me to give you a bit 0‘ advice?" ,. “Well, mehhe ’twouldn’t do no harm,” hesitated Hurti- cane. “ It's quick told. You jest hitch on to a gal an' come 'long side 0' us. We kin start even, and then see which one ’ll be gran’daddy fuel." ' “ It’s easnyer you to talk, peril—you’ve got the dead open an’ shet on it—you're stuck wi’ the gal, an’ she's dead gone on you. But, honest Injun, now—how does it feel to‘be that a-way, Mustang t—you know what I mean," added Hub ticane, coaxingly. “ Well, pard, you kin ax the hardest questions 0' any hu- man critter I know. How does it feel? Look hyan S‘posin’ you was a b’ar, wi’ the tastes an' feelin's o’ a War. You come along an' you find a gre’t big holler bee-tree. You climb up it, an’ t‘ar off the bark an’ rotten wood ontel you can crawl inside. Thur you find the honeyI all cl’ar an’ pure, as cf it'd bin strained. You pitch in—the honey’s mighty sweet—50’s love Then your feet slip an' you slide kersmuck into the tree-trunk o‘ honey. It’s so thick you don‘t sink at once. It‘s so sweet you cain’t leave off eatin' it, though, all the time you‘re afeard o’ bein’ sucked in (111' did fer.» - “ You ain’t afeard o‘ gettin sucked in i’" “ Not much—I wasjist stalin’ the rule," laughed Mustang. “ Then if a teller finds a gal who kin turn him cold or hot all over in less’n a wink, jest by lookin’ at him—ef he feels jest ’s though he’d like to lay down on the'ground an’ let her ’ . use his karkidge fer a dq9rmat; et he feels jest like he’d be .satistied to set still an’ look at her ontel the sun turned to a ‘7. ’ / s M" Q 2' ~ marquis m. I?“ snowball—e! he‘, feels like a powder hag stirred up wi’ a red- “ ~hot poker whenever he see: any other e-critter a-lookin’ at ‘~ her ;, ef‘a feller hes all these symptums, to oncet, then—what think 2 Is he in love i" ‘, “ You )bet—hit hard, too I" promptly replied Mustang l Sam. , “Lknowed itt, Pard, I’m corraled—l’ve got my gruel :' I .1 this tiine, sure 1” solemnly uttered Hurricane Bill. ' “You mean it, Billy? Then gi' us your paw—I glory in I 7 ’ your spunk—I do so! We’re in the same box, a’ter all i" t, I Hurricane Bill sheepishly clasped the extended member. fl He leoked like a man attending his own funeral. i “ Yes—but it's a crooked trail, a'ter all. Mehbe she conid- ‘ in see it in my light—I reckon she’d laugh at me, ef she l knowed what a softy I be. ’Tain‘t likely a fine piece like 1 her ’d take a shine to a. rough varmint like me—I ain’t. cut l out fer a lady’s man—” ' l “ Cheese it, pard—a honest men’s a man, an’ you‘re bafe ? 1 dozen rolled into one. But who is the gal t" , “ T’other one—little one's sister—I thought you knoWed.” “ Hurray! three to one-—ef little one, you an’ me cain’t corral her, then we‘re less a’count then I’ll ever b’lieve. Jest K t consider it settled, Billy, boy—we’ll run that race yit—shorel We’ll soon straighten the crooks out o’ the trail. We’ll git her back fut—" “ I’ll do it or bu'st somethin’ I" gritted Hurricane Bill. And thus for a couple of hours or more the border broth- ers conversed together, until Hurricane Bill ‘felt nearly as hopeful and light-hearted as Mustang Sam. The sun had been hidden from sight for more than an 1 hour when word was passed to saddle up and prepare for the road, the animals having eaten and drank their fill. The helmet) was clear, the stars shining brightly, giving light sni- ncieut for the purpose of the party. They did not ,illll'ntl , _ following the trail. If the words of the dying robber could h be depended upon, Black Garcia would he found hour the \ Lopo hills. By pressing on, they might reach there before ‘ him, when, the rest would be easy; , ' ‘ I ___4_.____._1 , I CHAPTER v1. um “um mu.” , Tu Mexicans are nothing it not superstitious. Though Hurricane Bill and his comrade had long been aware of this fact, it was disagreeany presented to them before the night Was half gone. When first setting out from the corral, the scouts had closely questioned their allies concerning the position of the Lopo bills, the distance and probable time it would occupy in making the journey. Somehow there seemed an extraor- dinary difference between the two last. Was the ground so very dimcult. then? Yes, it was difllcult—very rough and tangled. They must make a circuit of many miles—no one, , could cross the Mal Pat's and live. “ The ‘ Evil Land,’ eh I" interrupted Mustang Sam. ~ “ What makes it so much worse than the rest of the country 1'" The answer came promptly, closely resembling a skirmish- 'line tiring at will, each shot clenching the one preceding it, y the whole forming a wild melange of the weird, ridiculous. tragic and fantastic that one finds nowhere to greater perfec- tion than in Mexico. Marvelous legends were narrated of still more marvelous adventures and escapes; and while speak- ing the narrator’s voice grew more subdued, his sallow cheek pale, his great black eyes fill with a superstitious light as he glanced halt-fearfully over his shoulders like one who sees other shadows than those of night alone. Many a stout man had entered the “ Evil Land,” either through ignorance or through foolhardiness. A few had em- erged front it; but how? As miserable, idiotic wretctes to whom death would he a blessed boon. The ruler of the Evil ‘ L Land had touched their brain with his staring fingernlmd~ breathed his baleful breath upon them, sluiVeliug their mus- A Glen, drying their brains, distorting their limbs, making oltl, ’1 decrepit cripples out of the young, hale man who, but a day Q I \ I mans: ' \ [or a week before, had been the pride of his villagfi. the light of his mother’s soul. ‘ And of those who had never returned? Ah, the answer was still easier. Evil/ Land. They perished in their blindness. How? They were sacrificed. Their bones could still be seen. Some were fastened with invisible chains to the rocks—thus they had died. And their despairing shrieks for help only sem d to frighten away those travelers whose hearts were strong enough to take them along the edge of the Evil Land. And then, just at midnight, the scattered bones were reunited, each in its proper place, and, despite the groans and subs of the tortured spirits, the skeleton-baud was forced to wait upon their masters—upon the demons of the Evil Land, who, for one hour, held wild, unholy orgies and blasphemous cut'ottsals in their natural temples of rock. The true believers who are obliged to pass near this spot-— this Evil Land—do so in fear and trembling, telling their heads, muttering their prayers and nervously handling their amulets and charm, to keep 03‘ the treacherous gnomes and evil spirits who hover around his footsteps. greedin waiting and watching for an unguarded moment in which they can assail him. And then cunning and seductive lures are cast in his way, artfully chosen according to his temperament and likings. A woman, lovely as a dream, whose eyes, lips, ‘ whose every movement and gesture speaks of love ; perchance she appeals to his chivalry—she is u persecuted being, one' who has terrible, remorseless enemies, but whose friends have all vanished—unless he assists her, she is doomed. Others have been tempted with a dazzling treasure—with heaps of bright, yellow gold and sparkling jewels of untold price. But woe unto those who hesitate for even one moment. He is ' lost—forever lost 1 And so the word ran round. No sooner did one voice cease than another took it up. At first Hurricane Bill and Mustang Sam only laughed; but then they waxed impatient. ‘ As Mark Twain hath it—it was growing monotonous. “ Look here," at length cried Mustang Sam. “ Don Mums, youa’re a man of sense. What does all this mean! Are your fellows trying to frighten us with these coch-and-bull \ O \ . \ They had braved the spirit occupants of the AA—mpnnzcvw9 A. 3'- u urnquu.—wnatfiun'el m-s:@5”i-U§Q'< w-‘ v t l t‘ G‘G’i f the borders of the Mal Pain. Va truly brave man. ‘ in the Evil Land, it will be beyond our power. 'then do as theycommand. And then who will rescue my 7 and I—stnrted out to rescue your daughter. ms 0:4 mm storiesr or is it just 1 way‘ they have of cheering themselves-l? What are they driving at, any way i’” “ Senor Musteno," gravely replied the Don. “ We are on You have heard What has been spoken. Whether it is all true, I know not; but that a por- tion of it ls, I can testify. To be foolhardy does not become, We have mortal enemies to face, who are strong enough to fill our hands with work. Then why add others? What can our arms of flesh avail aga'mst the Spells and charms of evil spirits? Nothing. Then let us turn aside while there is yet time. When we are once fairly We must child. my poor Carmela, from the power of this cowardly wretch t” “ They’re all tossed wi' the same stick I" muttered Hurri- cane Bill, in a tone of inefl'able disgust. “ Wait a bit.” coolly snid Mustang San1,as Don Munez drew rein. “ You 3 the Lopo hills is over yonder—au' this is the Evil Land that lays utween us and it?” - “ Yes—for twenty miles or more," was the quick reply. “ You want to go around, so's not to deesturb these spooks. ' Now how far is it? How long will it take us to go round t” “ We have good horses—we can reach the Lopo hills by to-morrow night,” slowly replied Don Munez. “And you advise this—while your child is in the power of a black-hearted devil like this Garcia l" “I speak for my comrades, senor," a little haughtily re- turned the Don. “ For myself I know no fear—” “ Cut. it short, Musmng,” impatiently muttered Hurricane. “I will, pnrd. Now look here. Don Munez. WP—Blll If we hope to do it—I'n time—we can‘t take a trip around the world,just because some one else takes a notion to tell fishy yarns about ll certain bit; of ground over which the trail leads. Our ‘nly show is to get there as soon or before this Gnrcin. does. alfhe thinks the same as your men—and being a Mexican, it's- aikely he does—then he’ll take the long way home. If ,he does, we can cut him otf—it‘ we take the short trail ; not un- ‘ has; It be do'i‘t, our only chance—a. slim one it isle-ls to ‘ V68 ’ ‘ Homema- 'nmn, ' _ press him so hard that he won’t have time to put any devil’s "play into eXecution.r There you have it, short and Sweet. You and your men .can do just as you please. As {or Bill and l, we are going straight ahead, Evil Land or not. Sam. " Senor Musteno, because you rendered tny daughter a ser- vice, that giVes you no right to insult me,” haughtin replied the Mexican. Then adding, in a more even tone: “ My son Luis and I will follow wherever you choose to lead. I was speaking for our friends, not for myself. I have been a‘ soldier too long to greatly fear spirits, either good or bad." “ You hear, comrades," quickly said Mustang, turning to the Mexicans. “ We have decided to go on. are mart follow—lettthe cowards remain behind. You need _ fear no evil spirits while with us. Both my friend and my- self are what the Indians call big medicine. "l‘will be a powerful spirit that we can not quell." / a “ y a lead pill,through asteel tube 1” muttered Hurricane. Mustang Sam said no more, but rode on, after a moment's hesitation the Mexicans overcame their superstition enough ‘ to follow after. But their pale faces, their trembling limbs and the nervous, fearful glances they cast around them, and at what an exertion of will. v The “ Evil Land i" Truly the name was appropriate. A wilder, more gloomy and desolate spot could scarce he found eVen in that land of extremes and startling contrasts. Un- der the broadest glare of the noonday sun this region had a' dismal, lonely, repellent look, that, beneath the faint, uncer- tain light of the twinkling stars was increased tenfold. The tract was nearly thirty miles in width. What had originally been a valley, lying between two ridges or sierras, was now almost filled up to a level with the Sierras, having been, at no very distant era, the scene of a volcanic convul- sion. Near the center of this tract was the crater, considera- . hly more than a thousand feet‘frout edge to edge, and nearly _ one-third that in depth at the Center; The cracked and seamed lava around had given growthto tvfew stunted oak and mezquite trees. Prickly pear and if I ' "your fears are stronger than your love for your child, you‘ll ' turn‘back; if not, you’ll follow us,” coolly added Mustang ' Let those w’ho‘ 5‘ I ,4 cesium. at A cove“. , weirdly'shaped'cacti abounded on evr-ry hnnd. Here and ' / 'even startling shapes. were were scattered huge blocks of lava, broken into strange, No wonder the superstitious Mexi- cans frequently started and muttered a prayer, as the night- shadows played around these monstrosities of nature, for at ' times they seemed just about to leap forward and seize upon the daring mortals who had ventured into their sacred do mains. And it was only the cool, undaunted demeanor of the two scouts that prevented them from turning to seek safety in flight. The edge of the crater was reached with considerable dif flculty; and then, pausing to breathe their animals, the men glanced downward, all curious, some awed. The seamed and cracked sides of the vast basin ‘were thickly covered with a stunted growth of dwarf oak, mez~ quite and cocoa trees. Far below could be seen asmail lake or pond,.its inky surface reflecting the stars above. The shrill croakings of frogs were mingled with the indistinct hum and buzz of many insects. “ Ay de mi! what is that?” suddenly gasped one of the Mexicans, pointing downward. There was something gliding along the side of the basin, rapidly approaching the party, without even so much as a rustle as it passed through the shrubbery. Then it paused and a low, wailing cry arose upon the night air—a cry that seemed mournful and plaintive, yet with a cadence threaten- ing, fear-inspiring. The MCXiCflnS, giving free vent to their superstition, fell to praying and calling upon the saints to preserve them from the evil spirits; but not so the two plainsmeu. They had beards iniilnr sounds before, and, with native recklessness, they laughed loudly at the terror of their companions. “ Skeered at a chougar i" laughed Mustang Sam. l “ Stiddy, old boy—stiddy, buck-skin l" muttered Hurricane Bill, as he flung forward his rifle muzzle. K The beast was crouching for its leap. But the scont’s hand and eye were too quick, despite the gloom that quite hid the double sights. At the sharp, peculiar report,’the air was rent by a furious scream, and the cougar shot though the air, falling in a heap beneath the -horse’s feet, tearing and . . ;:"t'-4- 't w . ‘ « sK‘ ‘ < ‘ / ’ ‘ so -, V ' HURRICANII mu. , biting‘the ground in its death agony. but beyond all power " "~’of'doing harm. I ~ 1 Several of the terrified Mexicans were flung to the ground 'by their alarmed animals, where they cowered,still muttering their prayers. Hurricane Bill snorted with disgust: “ ’l‘he or‘nariest set 0’ cowards I ever see‘d l" “ You won’t say that, senor, when these men are con; ’ fronted with Black Garcia‘s gang,” shortly replied Don Munez. ' “ Hope not. Ef I hev cause—sf they kerry on than, like they do now, devil grill me alive ef I don't waste a. load 0’ lead on ev’ry pesky varmint u' them—so thar i" gritted the irate scout. . - A few sharp words from Don Munez partially assured the Mexicans that the danger was past, but not even his direc- r tions, seasoned as they were with sundry hot oaths, could in- duce them to separate in pursuit of tbein mustangs, which had galloped away, alarmed by the well-known scream- of the cougar. And the scouts were forced to secure the ani- mals themselves, which they finally effected, with some little difliculty. The adventure had not served to strengthen their confidence in their allies. “ We‘d better light out an’ let these or’nary imps slide-— - they’ll do,more damidge than good," uttered Hurricane Bill, disgustcdly, as the party left the crater behind them, riding as rapidly as possible antler the circumstances. “A jack- rabbit 'd whip out the hull kitl” “ They kin stop a bullet as well as a white man, pard," , was the quiet reply. “ But they'll. do better when they git face to face with that own kind They made a pretty fa’r show wi’ the red-skins, when they once got started." Thus the long night wore away. It was, slow, difficult traveling, but the party did not care to halt in such an unin- vitlug spot, where there was no water for themselves or ani- mals, and kept steadily on. The journey consumed more time than they had expected, however, and the sun was two hours high before they fairly passed the boundary of the Evil Land. Then they halted beside a small, sparkling at» ~ ‘ 130:0, and kindling-a fire, hastily. cooked some jerked meat, While the horses steadily cropped. the not: gross: I, Il'I-‘l \ ‘ meant to terminate, he intended proposing. mwsamscovaar‘ "at Hurricane Bill could not rest contented, and scaled outwit the highest points around, taking a close and careful scrutiny. of the surrounding country. For some time he made no mo- tion of discovery ; but then, swinging his hat above his head, he came racing down the hill, calling aloud for them to said. dle up in a hurry. , y \ “They‘re over thur—four on 'em—rldin' along like they wasn’t. in a hurry. Quick—mehhe we kin overtake ‘em be- fore they hole, ef we're lively,” he splattered,greatlyexcited. as he flung the saddle across old buck-skin. Five minutes later they were crossing the ridge. And a low, glad cry hrolte from the lips of nearly all, as they also distinguished the slow moving dots. L Then with deadly eagerness they pressed forward. 0 H A P T E R V I I. BLACK GARCIA UNMASKS. FROM the first appearance of Hurricane Bill and Mustang Sin), that day had been any thing but a pleasant one for the gallant Don Blas Cavello, or rather Black Garcia, the mountain outlaw. And he had anticipated so much from it, that the awaking was doubly disappointing. Good looking, if not positively handsome, when his evil passions lay dormant, Well-formed, with a smooth, insinuating address and almost inordinate vanity, he believed this day would complete the conquest of the fair Carmela’s heart— . complete, for he believed he had already won the maldcn‘s good graces. A skillful, graceful rider, an expert in all the national games, he Was confident of proving a victor in most, if not all of the trials. And then, after displaying the grace of his person at the fandango with which the feast'wns ‘ After allthis, Carmela could not' reject him. And, though ,not usually "given to counting the cost, Black, Garcia would rather L'ave Don Munez and Luis as friends than eat-mien But he was \ . 8mm m r .—1a‘. many another unlucky wright—fated to esperience the truth of the adage-—“ The best laid plans of men and mice gang aft agley.” ‘ He was beaten at every point by Mustang Sam, and finally humiliated—literally crushed to earth—caused to flee like a very eraven before the bright eyes of the maiden whom he had so surely counted upon winning. And he had noticed the evident interest of Carmela in the dashing American, had intercepted the half-fearful glances of admiration that Hurri- cane Bill could not control. It was a bitter pill for him to have swallowed, and as he did not. lack courage—as be after- ward proved—there would probably have been a tragedy to mark the feast day, even had not the Apaches put in an at» pe/arance. He fought desperately, carving his name in letters of blan upon the bodies of the Indians. He saw the rescue of Car- meia, and then, his heart boiling over with hatred and jealousy, he cut his way through the wake, and saw Hurri- cane Bill returning after having placed Carmela iu—as he believed—a place of safety. In that moment a boldle entered his mind, and he lost not a moment in carrying it out. Dashing across the corral he saw Carmela there half insen Bible, halt-stupefled by the horrible scene in which she had been a helpless actor. She did not appear to notice Garcia as he passed by, and out at the bars. Here he caught up a lasso from the pi]! upon the ground, and speedin secured out. of the mustangs that prancet‘l around, terrified, yet loth. to leave the spot. While thus engaged, Black Garcia uttered several shrill, peculiar Whistles, It was a signal well known I ' to his men, and as he heard it answered, all doubt of success left the Mexican's mind. Hastily lowering the top bar, he leaped over and caught Carmela up in his arms, promptly stifling her faint scream with his broad palm. The yells and confusion still} told of a fierce struggle beyond—the cry of Carmela had not been , heard. And with a hoarse laugh, the bandit spurred his 1 horse to the leap. For a moment his heart fairly stood still V as he saw two men rushing toward him—but then he leer-g Juan ’and Oroche, his trusty men._ ‘ \ m mocrron. ' . on “Quick—get yourselves horses and follow me,” he cried,. ‘as he dashed away, adding, in a monotone: “ If those tools only keep up their fun for five more minutes—until Ican 7 pass the long sand-hill yonder, all will be well. Before they can guess the truth, I’ll be far on my way to the hills—and once with my bold lads, let who will follow my trail, I care I not 1 Less will come back—it any I” and again the mountain outlaw laughed. He did succeed in gaining cover behind the long ridges of sand, both he and his two men. before the Apaches began their retreat. Fortune was smiling upon him at last! For hours the three horsemen continued their flight at a steady, rapid pace. All this time Carmela had not spoken a word, had scarce made a voluntary‘motion. She lay like a drooping lily in the bandit‘s stout arms, her head pillowed upon his breast, his hot breath playing over her colorless ' cheek. She seemed in a stupor, though her eyes Were half enclosed. ‘ “ So much the better," muttered Black Garcia. “ It saves trouble and mayhsp some hard feelings. I don’t feel in the humor for soothing even her. Those cursed heretics—may Satan provide them both with close quarters this day! To think that I—I, Black Garcia, king of the desert, should have been so humbled by two beggarly Americans! But 'twas not done fairly—the devil himself aided them—they must have carried some charm that enabled them to stand before better men. And I— blind tool that I am l—forgot that I had broken my promise to San Ignacio. Only that he was ofl'end- ed, I could have laughed their charms to scorn. But I will double the oflering—I swear it by my. patron saint l—and when next we meet, the tables will be turned." Until long after sunset the outlaw rode on without halting. He did not enter the Mal Paris—he dare not. Like all of his countrymen, superstition held a firm place in his mind; when- ever he glanced tOWard the region of evil repute, he muttered a prayer or called upon his patron saint. Nor were his men 7 any bolder. To judge from their muttered words, the‘ trio . were saints—not an oath passed their lips; prayers took their r, Dllce. ‘ \ At length the party drew rein beside a small spring, where 1 : .1 ",x _ mucus were WIIB grass sumcient for their jaded, animals. The men Jigbted their husk cigaros. Food they had none. Carmela still seemed unconscious of her perilous situation. She seemed like one dazed, stunned, only half alive. The terror; the sight of her friends falling beneath the hatchets and knives of the terrible Apaches, the near approach of death to herself hnd numbed the faculties of her mind. She lay down upon the blanket that Black (:‘rnrcin spread for her, and in a few moments more was soundly sleeping. It was just what she needed. When she awoke, it would be with a. clear and un- clouded brain. ‘ Black Garcia did not sleep. He was too busy thinking over the events of the past day. His thoughts were bitter enough. He could not forget how signally he had been de- feated, how deeply his bonor-—such was his thought—had been outraged by the insolent Americans. And, too, though he did not repent his action in abducting Carmela, he knew that it would make trouble for him. Don Munoz was the most influential man for scores of miles around, looked up to and honored by all his neighbors. He was brave, too, and energetic. He would not rest quietly under such a blow. He would soon be upon the outluw’s heels. , While he lived, there would be no safety for Black Garcia. ’ Wrought up by these reflections, the bandit aroused his men and hnd the animals prepared for the road. Then he 1ouched Carmela, who aroused with a little cry of ulnrtn. “You huve nothing to fear—you are with friends, lady. ' I regret that your repose should be disturbed, but I fear there are enemies upon our trail, and we must seek safety in flight," quietly spoke the MexiCnu. ‘ “ My father-Luis—wbere are they?” faltered Carmela. “ Do you not remember? Think—try and recall what has happened," softly breathed the outlaw, in a tone of seeming \ sympathy. - v t“ The Indians—I rememberx-fl regemberf'pow i" gasped Carmela, in,a strained voice. “But tell met—soar can not be I" ~ - “ What can not be i" p Y “ That. they are—no, they are m. dead—Lyon are trying to , Mine are i" cried Carmela, shrinkingbsck. r -Y—-’:;‘. ,2 I’ . 0mm “You Wrong me,~lady—bnt you will do me justice when . you are calmer. You will see then that I am your. true friend—your only friend now," quietly added Black Garcia. _ “But come—there is danger in remaining there. The Apap ches are close upon our trail. We must ride hard if ‘ we . would esciipe capture—and you can guess what that would be to you.” Carmela no longer resisted. The words of the man who I called himself her‘friend. hinted that her father, brother and Sister had been killed. At that moment she could think of nothing else. And she ofl‘ered no resistance when Black Garcia lifted her before him and rode off through the night. Had he been content to let well enough alone, it is possi- ble that Carmela might have believed all, and he would have had no trouble with her until his retreat was gained. But Black Garcia really loved her—as truly as a brute like‘ him couMlove—with a blind, unreasoning passion ; and he wished to remove the memory of his disgrace, if possible. And so “ he told her of the marvelous deeds he had performed, of the many Apaches who had fallen beneath his promss as be charged them single-banded to rescue her from their ruthless grasp. But he over-did the matter. The maiden’s mind was vbusyf She began to recollect some of the past events, and then, like a revelation of light, the truth flashed upon her. “ You are speaking falsely—you did not save rue—’twas he—tbe noble American—Jae saved my life—not you l" sud- denly exclaimed Carmela, raising her head. Black Garcia was tnke’n all aback. He attempted to stam- mer a denial, but she quickly interrupted him. “ Stop—«lo not stain your soul with more lies. You bade mev-retnember—I do. I remember that he saved me, wbm the knife of a terrible Indian was at my heart. I remember that he took me to the corral, and placer] me in safety. I remember that you Came—that you'carritd me away on horse- ba'ck. And I believe that you spoke falsely when you made ' me think that my friends wrre all murdered l" “ These are hard words," began the mountain outlaw. . ("But true—1' feel that they are true!" 1“ Well, supposing they‘ are true—what then r' angrily r‘ " your , “3‘ here in my power—I .cm do whatever [ / m BILL. t * cheese with you. If you are wise, you will not provoke me, too far.” There was something in the man's tone that filled Carmela with a Vague, sickening fear. She shrunk from him, and had“ not been for his tightening grasp, she would have . leaped to the ground. ~ “ Let me go—you frighten me I" she gasped, breathlessly. “ So—you change y0ur tune very suddenly,” laughed Black Garcia. “ And yet I would be your best friend, if you would only permit. Men call me cruel and heartless, but you shall never have cause to do so, if you do not treat me too cruel- ly. You shall be as rich and honored as any queen—you shall want for nothing that love or gold can give you—" “ What do you mean l’” faltered Carmela. “ Well, I don’t know as there is any use in wearing the mask any longer. You must soon find out the truth, any- how. To you I have been Don Bias Cavello—in the future you must know me as Black Garcia.” Acry of terror broke from the maiden’s lips, and we sought to free herself. But in vain, Garcia held her firmly. “ Bah! why do you act like a child? It can do you no good, and may work us both harm, for this is not the safest of trails. A single slip here would be death, and though I loved life before, I have double cause for loving it new." Carmela did not cease her struggles, until Black Garcia, ,his temper fully aroused, angrily said : “ You must act more sensibly, or. in self-defense, I shall have, to bind you. hand and foot. I didn‘t want to treat you harshly, for I lovs you dearly, but I will, unless you are quiet. You have sense enough to see that it can do you no good. Then why act so? Why not submit gracefully, since , - there is no help? You are in my power—nothing can take you from me. Your happiness or misery rests with your. self. If you are sensible, all will be well. I will make you a good and faithful husband. If you are obstinate and self-. willed, then I must tame you. A stand. You are to become, my wife—you can not avoid that. _ It is‘ your fate. If you insist, I will give you time’ to decide -e week or even two weeks. During that period, you will , it treated with all possible rupccte—your every wish grad. v But this you must under-r ’ ~IDIIG tee—mat! ’ t 87'. led. That is, all except giving you your freedom. Time for that after the honeymoon.” ‘ “ I will die first I" proudly exclaimed the maiden. ‘4 I have heard others say the same—yet they lived long afterward; yes, and Were happy and contented, too. So will it be with you. You may not love tne now—you may even hate me; it would be only natural that you should, af- ter my plain speech. But I will make you love me. You are so dear to my heart that you can not help it. A man can make any wonian love him, provided he loves her truly. Butt there—I have said enough for once, I will give you a ‘ chance to think it over. Only remember. If you are not quiet, until we reach your future home, for your sake I must bind you. Please do not. force me to be so rude." Carmela made no reply. She knew that it would be worse than useless. She was in his power, and to attempt re- sistance prematurely, would be folly. So she rode on,quietly 'enough, outwardly; but oh! what a tumult was withinl 1n silence, save for the sound of their horses‘ hoofs coming in sharp contact with the rocks that thickly bestrewed the way, the little cavalcade moved on through the night, through the deep gloom that betokened the near approach of the day god, through the somber gray light that gradually grew less heavy, changing to a golden hue, until the crests of the rugged hills beyond were bathed in the first rays of the new- born day‘s sun. Black Garcia was not entirely at his ease. There was Something in the expression of the pale face that rested in the hollow of his arm which he did not like. He began to believe that all would not be as plain sailing as he had at first thought. This was the face of an obstinate woman— 'M one who would not be easily driven against her will. But then be reflected: “Baht what matter? A short time more and we will be safe with my brave men—and once there, not a thousand enemies could rob me of her. There will he only her will , to break, her hatred to conquer—and surely I am man Isnough for that! In one week she will become reconciled; ln’two weeks contented—and in a month from now she will Ideas me and believe me a very god i" ‘ / \ \ » haired pininsman. them to have made better time than be had since leaving the ‘ , summit. mm. And in this. manner the, outlaw reassured himself; while pressingsteadily on toward his retreat. Why such haste? He knew that no man could follow his trail through the night; and even if they could, ’twould be impossible for , scene of the interrupted feast. Yet he glanced often toward the Evil Land, as though expecting something disngreeahle. Yet he believed his identity was unknown to the Mexi- cans. He bud told a cunning story and had worn the mask ndroitly. There was nothing to connect him with the no- torious Black Garcia in their minds. But supporting they should have suspected. the truth, they were ignorant of his retreat. Despite this belief, Black Garcia cast many an uneasy glance toward the Mal Pat's. He was looking for enemies. Not for Don Munez and his neighbors. They were his countrymen, and, like himself, devontly believed in the mys- teries of the haunted place. They would never dare attempt to cross it—particularly during the night. But those cursed heretics—the Americans—theyhad not religion enough to be- lieve in these things. Besides, they were in league with the devil—at least they bore charms provided by him, else how came they to stand against stout men of the true faith, only yesterday ? It was for Hurricane Bill and Mustang Sam that; Black Garcia was looking. And at length he was rewarded— most disagreenbly. A tall figure standing upon. . a" sharp peak, clearly outlined against the sky; and, despite the in- tervening space, Black Garcia recognized his rival, the yellow- A furious nurse broke from his lips as he. saw Hurricane Bill wuve his hat. He knew then that they had been dis- covered. “ Oroche," muttered the mountain outlaw, to the lighter of his followers, “ you saw that? We have been followed—~‘ but. it will be a trail, of death to them 1 ' Go—ride as fast us your horse can carry you, and do not. draw rein until you, reach the retreat. Send the women and animals into the hole, and tmvethe bridge ready for instant removal. Tell\ the men to prepare their weapons for hot. work,nnd totawaiit VA l. \ "V ~ ‘V ., " ' l »' A noun: man.“ ‘ ‘ ' u the at the naouth of the pass. We will teach these dogs that it} is dangerous work to press the tiger to bay. Go—quick l" Oroche obeyed without a word. Juan looked as though . he would have liked to share the mission, as he glanced back 'and saw the pursuers dashing recklessly over the rough ground, but he dared not say as much. Black Garcia had' little mercy for cOWards, when in his own band. ‘ Carmela gave vent to a little cry of delight, as she realized 'the truth—that friends were in sight and working hard to rescue her. Black Garcia laughed, bitterly, sneeringly: , “ You are overjoyed—instead, you ought to Weep,” he said, 'coldly. “There are your friends—all that the Apaches left alive. They are fools—blind, unreasoning fools. else they would have remained at home, giving thanks for their escape. Instead, they come here, following me. But they rush .tn deutlt. . Look your last upon them. In half an hour more they will vanish from your sight forever. In an hour, not one of them all will be alive. Take your last look, I say.” . “ They will rescue me—I can recognize the bold Ameri- ' cans,” murmured Carmela, a bright light shining in her eyes. “This is a double trail. To us it means life and happi- ness. To them it means death and annihilation. See yon- , derl” and the outlaw uplifted his finger, with a mocking ’langh. “ That black speck—and there are more—dozens of them l Do you know what they mean? They are vultures. They know that a feast will shortly be prepared for them. . I‘will be their provider. And they will whet their beaks on the bones of your father, your brother—and your insolent herntie lover l" Carmela shuddered and turned faint at heart. CHAPTER VIII. srnmerxe “in rear. BLACK GARCIA laughed shrilly as he glanced back,st c’on- l: fldeat did he seem of complete success and victory. There was a devilish glitter in his black eyes, his white teeth shone from beneath the heavy mustache; exultation was written t on every feature as be tossed back the long, jetty hair that had fallen over his face, and once more gave his attention to guiding the mustang' along the rough, ditficult trail. And, despite the knowledge that friends were within sight, strain- ing every nerve to reach and rescue her, the words and de- meanor of the mountain outlaw were like a cruel weight upon the maiden's heart. As his exultation rose, so her hope sunk. “Juan,” suddenly cried Black Garcia, addressing the sec- ond 0mm, “ Juan, as soon as we pass the point yonder, do you ride at full speed. See that the men are all ready. But don’t let them pass the month. There is ,where we’ll set the trap for these blind fools behind us. Remember—and go now—they can‘t see you.” Juan freely used his spurs and dashed away over the troken trail with a speed and adroilness that bespoke the really skillful rock-rider. Black Garcia proceeded more leis- urely, turning to catch one more glimpse of the pursuers, be- !me turning the sharp angle that would hide them from view. Then he, too, plied the spurs, though he knew that he Would have an abundance of time for arranging his trap, though. as the crow flies, the party led by Hurricane Bill and Mustang Sam was not more than a third of a mile distant. But interVening was a broad, deep crevasse. The horse did not live that could leap it. The only way was to make a detour. By turning to the right, half an hour would sumce to regain the broken route; it the other, those taking it would ’be thrice that period of time. ' : r an... 4.1.; :.‘»..:1~‘..: 't , ' ~ . m Manna s'rnofiénom. ‘ 71 Tile doubly laden mustang was dashing rapidly ’atb‘ngv a n5: ‘fihw pass, dark,'gloomy, oppressive, despite'the bright sun\ that tilled the heavens. It was only at broad noonfday that ’ fthe golden rays ever lighted up the bottom of the pass, and then only ‘for a couple of hours. V l I The pass was some forty feet wide, at the base, but fully two thirds of this space was occupied by how‘lders, large and small, through or over which scarce a footman, could have wound his way, unless at. a snail's pace. These bowlders had evidently fallen from the clifl above, at different times, and ' such was the quantin it seemed strange the pulse was not en- tirely blocked up. Soit would have been, but for the hand of man. This puss led to the stronghold of Black Garcia and his band of‘ntountuin outlaws. : For fifty feet the sides of the pass rose without a break, save here and there a few rough projections or points by which a strong, active man might possibly reach the shelf, above. This shelf or ledge was some three yards in width, and from below, appeared entirely choked up with fragments of rocks. Yet behind those, an army might have found cover; that is anarmy such as One expects in the desert. Above this ledge, at shorter intervals, were two more, presenting the same ap- pearance. In the hands of fifty stout-hearted, resolute men, this pass could be held against ten thousand enemies. Ten minutes carried Black Garcia and his captive through the pass, and he saw‘his men gathered around the mouth, armed to the teeth, though afoot. A peremptory gesture and sharp word checked the cheer they seemed on the point of giving, and then the outlaw chief quickly gave his commands. “ Oroche, to you I leave the arrangements. Divide the men and station them on both sides of the pass. You need , not go far down—there‘s not much more than, a. dozen of " them in all. But remember—not one must escape. Every ‘ man mrtst be killed or taken prisoner. If a single one can capes it will be to spread the story over the whole country, and then we would have to scatter and seek some other rec _ treat, if not disband for good. Go now—or stay," he sudden: 1y added,“ though struck with a second thought. r‘flYo! gig—,7 and he called the chosen men by: n-tme, f‘ will station yda'mtves at. the narrow pass beyond here. It is barely / 816 3 ‘ ' s ' '~ I r "\ I _.mmcm min. bible thatsome of the rascals may break through, and if they once get among the deflles yonder, would give us trouble to I find them. Remember, any who come through here, are en- emies, and I look to you to give a good account of them. Go noW. I’ll be with you in time for the fun.” - Carmela, half senseless, had listened to the words of the bandit chief with a heart full of ‘ dre'ad. She had sense enough to see that a deadly trap was being laid for her friends, from which escape seemed impossible. Yet she could do nothing—nothing but wait and pray. Black Garcia rode along, passing a narrow rock bridge 'upon each side of which yawued a deep, gloomy pit, their sides rough, jagged, a fall down which could be nothing less than death. This was the place where Black Garcia had directed the six bandits to lie in wait for stragglers. V A short distance further, then Black Garcia dismounted. As her feet touched the ground, Carmela would have fallen, only for the outlaw’s supporting arm. The long ride had benumbed her limbs. With a short laugh, he lifted her and strode forward, presing through a dense clump of bushes that apparently grew close to the {ace of a high clitf. All was darkness the most intense as the leafy screen closed be- hind them, but the bandit strode on with the firm step of one who thoroughly knew the ground. They were within a cav- ern of some sort, as Carmela knew from ‘the peculiar echo that came from the bandit’s spurred boots. Black Garcia stood still, uttering a sharp, prolonged whistle. In a few moments a dim, star-like point of light appeared before them, and advancing slowly, the outlaw met the bearer of the torch, an old woman. She held the torch downward, and revealed a narrow plank that evidently crossed some abyss. Black Garcia crossed with a steady foot, though the elastic bridge SWayed beneath the weight, and Carmela grew dizzy as she glanced down into the blackness. The depth she could only surmise. No mortal vision could reach the bottom by that faint light. ‘ , The old woman le on in obedience to a few muttered words, and then paused, holding the light above her head. II’hey stood within a small apartment that seemed cut out of ’ 'thecsolid rock by the hand of man. It was fitted up in a ,l" a ‘1' .93 “rt ~ v / / name READY. t style fairly luxurious, considering the‘circumstances. A. car. pet was upon the stone floor. A low pallet was in we cor- ner, covered with white linen and embroidered blankets. Various articles of clothing hung along the well, together with a guitar and mandolin. All this was revealed as the old woman touched the torch to a brightly polished silver lump that was suspended from the ceiling. ‘ As Black Garcia depoaited Carmela upon the pallet, he ‘ cast an approving glance around, and then turned with evi' dent satisfaction to note the manner in which his captive re- garded her new quarters. But Carmela said nothing. She lay motionless upon the pallet, more like a dying person than aught else. And as he noted her pallid, haggard features, the heart of Black Garcia smote him painfully. But ’twas \ only for a moment. He turned and gave a few hurried directions to the old woman, bidding her treat the lady as her future mistress, and then, after a lingering glance at the pale features of Carmela, he retraced his steps to help his men (18- \ fend the pass. , Only pausing to renew his instructions to the six men who guarded the stone bridge, Black Garcia strode on, and mak- ‘ ing use of'some rude steps hacked in the rock, mounted to the first ledge, where he found that Oroche, his lieutenant, had faithfully foll‘OWed his directions. And then they waited for the coming of their intended victims. A cry of exultalion broke from the pursuers as they first caught sight of the three horses and their burdens. Though at a considerable distance, they could still see that one ani- mal bore a double load, and the light drapery that could only be worn by a woman was proof positive that the object of their long, arduous ride was at length fairly before them. A , brief dash—-so they all believed—would suffice. ‘ Mustang Sam, by virtue of Tornadofled the way: close behind him came Hurricane Bill upon old buck-skin, who-\ "proved himself nearly as good a rock-climber as the black stallion. And as they rapidly neared the fugitives, the scouts looked to their weapons. V » Tornado paused abruptly, with a peculiar snort. He stood N r , upon the very brink of a canon hundreds of Vteet in depth, ‘ln . \ . t . "g" white the further side was nearly forty feet from where the black stalliOn stoodf And then the fugitives vanished from sight. The pursuers interchanged glances.‘ The fates seemed working against them. While they were endeavorin‘g to sur- mount this barrier, the outlaw might escape them, after 'all. The hard rocks retained scant traces of even a horse's passage. Black Garcia doubtless knew this region thoroughly. If he was too far away from his stronghold, he could easily hide [in some of the thousand and one snug coverts around. And knowing this, a groan of bitter rage and anguish broke from the lips of Don Munez. . “ The devil couldn’t leap it !” muttered Hurricane Bill. “‘ Not hyar,” replied Mustang Sam, promptly enough. “ But that may be other places whar we kin cross.” ‘ ‘ 9‘ But he'll git ‘03 while we’re lookin’ fer it.” “ Not. much! Here—let the best lasso thrower stand forth,” he added, addressing the Mexicans in Spanish. “ Knot one riata to another. The rest of you separate and ‘ride up and down .the edge of the canon, looking ‘tor a place where we can cross or leap our horses over.‘ Work lively—and when you find it, fire a single shot. That will tell‘the other party where to go.” He was obeyed without a word. Then Mustang Sam turned Lo the Mexican who had remained with him. i “ Can you rope yonder big bowldcr l!" he said, indicating a rock that lay upon the other side of the canon. several yards from the edge of the abyss. "‘ Si senor," was the prompt l’( ply, as the Mexican care- fully gathered up the double lariat, and then made the cast. He did not belie his skill. The noose settled fairly over 'the howlder, and a dextrous twitch secured it fl:mly. Then he spurred back his mustang until the taut rope nearly flung them both to the ground. “ That will do,” ‘said, Mustang Sam, dismounting. “ You can go now. Take my horse and follow one of the parties, tell them that I've gone to follow the woman-thief, and that I will lay a plain trail for them. Let them follow it until they overtake me, or hear from me, in some way." ._-,’I.‘he Mexican rode/ rapidly away, leading the unwilling , x Who did not relish ,this being taken trout ‘ his be- .. a new mom. loved master. Mustang Sam passed the stout .riata around a. huge bowlder and knotted it firmly. Then, with the aid of a stout stick, he twisted up the slack until the lasso was as straight and stifi‘ as a bar of iron. Grasping the rope, the soout boldly swung ,over the chasm, crossing, hand over hand with the speed and ease of a professional gymnast. In ten seconds he was standing upon the further side of the canon. Reaching the point where Black Garcia had disappeared from sight, Mustang Sam rapidly picked up the trail, at the same time leaving plain indications for his comrades, in the crushed and broken twigs of the bushes, or by kicking up a portion of the Sandy soil that lay in scattered patches between the rocks. But he was not forced to do this long. The trail entered the narrow pass, and after marking the entrance plainly, Mustang Sam glided on rapidly, not more than ten minutes in the rear of Black Garcia. 'The scout abruptly paused and then sunk down behind a ragged bowlder. The enemy was in view. He could dis- tinguish a number of human beings scaling the almost per- pendicular walls of the pass. They were Black Garcia's men. going into ambush. Not dreaming of any such plan as the scout had put into operation; they believed themselves safe from obervation for at least another half-hour, and so paid little attention to what was going on in the pass beyond. “ So—he’s holed at last I” muttered Mustang. “ Meam fight, too. yond. A quick dash ’11 do it. Once we git thar, we'll hev them in a trap. They caiu’t get down unless we let ’em. which I don’t reckon we will—faster ’n we kin pick ’em ofl tb our six-shooters." _ Satisfied at. length that he had learned all he could without; danger of discovery, the plainsman adroitly retrealed, keep- ing well covered until out of sight of the ambushed outlaws. " While thus engaged he heard the report of a gun, and knew “M a crossing had been found at last. l/Vyhen he caught sight of his comrades, and quickly signaled them. His gestures were understood, and theparty came up apidly. _ Mustang Sam had, determined whatto say, anddid / A pesky mean place—but Ihar’s open ground bew He had not gone far beyond the entrance of the pass,‘ l t fired Mom 3m. ‘ t / , say tt,‘simply' and forcibly. I, He told them that the outlaws 'were in a strong position, and any hesitation upon their part . ' would be almost certain destruction. Their best plan was to make a sudden dash and reach the open ground beyond the pass. This once gained, they held the result in their own hands. ' | There was no need for further speech. The Mexicans, with one voice, declared that they would follow Mustang Sam to the death. And be, though a little doubtful whether their courage would be proof against the test of fire, knew that it was best to strike while the iron was hot, without giv- ing their fervor time to cool. ‘ “ Be sure an’ keep close at my heels, pard,” he hastily ‘muttered to Hurricane Bill, as they rode toward the pass that was destined to be the scene. of a tragedy. “ Don’t stop to burn powder ontel We're in Open ground. Them cusses hev got piles 0’ dornicks ready to roll down a-top 0’ us, an’ we cain’t a’ford to lose Tornado or buck-skin. You won't fer- git?” ‘ Hurricane Bill replied by a look; but no more words passed between the friends. They were now within the pass. and a few moments more would bring them to thevend. Mustang Sam. who had assumed the command, as it were, rode slowly along. He had marked well the ambush and could tell at just what point actual danger commenced. He felt confident that the outlaws would not open fire until their prey was almost directly beneath them, for fear those left by the first volley might seek safety in flight. The two scouts rode along quietly, as though fully at ease, but, despite his directions, Mustang Sam could see the Mexicans casting aux- ious glances at the ledge above and before them. They pus- srssetl little of the peculiar courage such an advance required. And Mustang knew that he must make the dash speedily, if at all. r With a shrill, piercing yell, he gave Tornadoloose rein, _ and darted forward like a flash, closely followed by Hurri- 'oane Bill. boldly, seeming to gather resolution from their own voices.‘ ’ “ Fire I let not one escape!” ‘ I It was the voice of Black, Garcia, The Mexicans, echoing the yell, also charged I x ,i fising high above a... x 1’! ‘. ."1‘ r’nl‘ .'v' . if i ‘ ill ‘J 'L Home“ some. yells, the clutteringvof horses’ hoofs, and accompanied by. a _ loud report as he aimed at Hurricane Bill. clap of thun-' der appeared to shake the rock hills to their ve y foundations, and a sheet of smoke vailed the ledge above. Then, set in motion by sturdy, nervous arms, the jagged bowlders thun- dered down the almost perpendicular sides of the puss with resistless force, raising a. thick fog of dust and chalky parti- cles that effectually shrouded the horrible scene. below. But it could not cover the wild shrieks of mortal pain and terror that rose upon the air. Then came the rapid, sharp detonations that can come only from a revolver, and a wild curse of rage broke from . Black Garcia’s lips as he found it came from the open ground beyond. He yelled to his men to follow him, and then recklessly descended the side of the pass by means of the rude steps. But before he could reach level ground, the firing had ceased, and as he rushed toward the rock-bridge, he saw that 'it was occupied only by the dead or dying. And,jnst disap- pearing around the point were the forms of two horsemen. Raging like a baffled tiger, Black Garcia ordered a dozen of his men to press on in pursuit, nor to return without bringing in the scalps of the daring plainsmen. With the others, he turned toward the pass. It was a horrible, sickening sight that met his gaze—but his fiendish heurt exnlted in it. ‘ The dust-cloud had .ifted on the air. The forms of men and horses lay thick in the pass, lying still and motionless in death, or else writhing in acute agony. The blood-stained bowlders that almost choked up the pass had done their work thoroughly. Nearly all of the rescuing party had been stricken down by these terrible missiles. With a devilish smile the mountain outlaw contemplated his work. A cry of bitter rage directed his gaze toward a man who r was pinned to the ground by his dead horse having fallen upon his leg. It was Don Muuez, who, with drawn sword, was nursing the false Don Cavello, branding him as a cow- ard, a craven renegade. , ~ .. thh a cool dexterity. Black Garcia struck the weapon {tom} the old man’s hand, and then ordered two of his men l ' Wlis ' " HURRICANE'ELL' 'to remo‘Ve the horse. This was :promptly done, and the father‘s hands deftly secured behind his back. “ You are iny guest now, Senor Don Munoz," said the out- =law,'moolciugly, after bidding his men put the wounded, 'wretches out of their misery with a dagger-thrust. “Rely hpou it, ‘you shall be treated magnificently. But first—have you no curiosity to behold 'tny bride—your daughter 1’" Don Munez glared at the sneering villain in speechless rage. “ Allow me to support you," and Black Garcia wound his arm around the Don. “Can you wnlk a short distance? The pretty Carmela will be delighted to welcome you to her , own home. I regret that her brother should unluckily have stood in the way of one of these rocks. But—blessed be those who die young!" and the outlaw iaughed harshly. Don’Munez could endure no more. He staggered and then sunk a lifeless weight; in the bundit‘s arms. For once in his life the strong soldier had fainted. Terrible anxiety, want of rest, pain, the sight 0! his dearly beio‘Ved son lying a mangled corse at his feet, added to the taunts of his captor, were too much. With a curse, Garcia set about restoring him. He had a particular use \for Don Mutter. CHAPTER IX. s'rnALrNo A MARCH. How did Hurricane Bill and Mustang Sam manage to es- cape from the trap that proved so fatal to their comrades? Partly because of the outlaws’ inferior firearms and still worse marksmanship, but mainly owing to the speed and sure- Iootcduess of, Tornado and buck-skin. Not a bullet had tottched them—indeed, only two of the party had been killed by the outlaivs‘ volley, the remainder having fallen beneath the r‘esistless hov’videis—and their horses cin‘ried the two uts beyond reach of the rocky avalanche. .’ ‘ '1“It’s ail up, um i" enrolaimed Mustang Sana, with t rhpld Mint-rd ‘gnuoe, as they ‘cleht'éd the mouth or the pun; / , / j l x a panthefsxrmxr. ’ A sharp report. sounded in his ear, and turning quickly, he; ’ saw thattheir road was blocked by half a dozen Mexicans, ' who stood upon: a narrow trail that passed betweentwo deep. pits. There Was no other way to pass. except one: this rock... bridge. To retreat would be death. And knowing this, Hurricane Bill had sent a.le.aden missileof, death just beneath. the stifl brim of the head Mexican’s sombrero. This it was. that so startled Mustang Sam. “ Whoo~oopl Soek it to ’em 1” he yelled, recklessly, as. his repeaters added their voices tothose of Hurricane's. The bridge-guard was taken completely by surprise, and, though they managed to discharge their clumsy escopettts and unwieldy horsepistols, ’twas but a waste of powder, for not one among the six thought of taking aim. On the other _ side, the scouts were not men who made a. practice of wasting ammunition; they shot to kill. And by the time. the forty. yards of ground was pa'ssed, there Were only two of the. out. laws upon the bridge unharmed. ‘ With a wild yell, Hurricane Bill spurred big buck-skin forward. The two outlaws, terror-stricken, utterly bewildered. clumsily endeavored to wheel their animalsto seek safety in, flight. but only'succeedcd in counteracting each other‘s ef- forts, their animals colliding. At this moment Hurricane Bill came up, and, touching buck-skin with the spur as he lifted him withthe reins, buried his big States horse fairly upon the small mustangs bestrode by the bandits. It was like a wedge entering a log 0! Straight pine. The single stroke was sufficient to drive the wedge clear through, splitting the log asunder. And the reckless plainsmeu laughed shrilly as they saw the ill-fated bandits go over the edge of the rock-bridge, to meet their death upon the jagged rocks below; “ Hurray fer our side i" screamed Mustang Sam, as he too dashed across the bridge. “But lis‘en—the varmints is comin’ lickety-split! They’re too hefty fer us, pard, out in this open ground. Reckon we’d better light out." “ But the gal—" hesitated Hurricane Bill, though he knew . that Mustang was in the right; they could not hope to win any thing by fighting the whole of Black Garcia's 1,,” t1. “ She must 1e somc'ar ahead «1' us. Met-be we kill tit-lg / I / I well-beaten trail that wound around an abrupt spur. A the titne to lose their trail.- ,b. KURRICANE BILL. 'her up we ride along, an’ then we kin take to the hills. But s'posin' we don‘t see her now—how’ll it help her fer us to git rubbed out? \ We must cache ontel ‘night. Then we kin play Injun on the varmints. See ?" Hurricane Bill did see, and knew that his partner was in the right. Mustang Sum, keeping a tight rein on Tornado, ready to halt or wheel instantly, should such need arise, led the way at. a rapid pace across the open ground, following a This brought them into full view of a large herd of mus- tangs, feeding in a circular valley, well, covered with rich grass, owing to the springs that bubbled from beneath the gray rocks. ‘ “ Stampede ’cm i” yelled Mustang Sam. trail an’ give ’em somethin’ else to do besides follerin’ us.” . Hurricane Bill promptly followed the example set him, ‘_ and the two scouts charged upon the cavallada, yelling, hunt. lug, screeching like drunken savnges, emptying their revolvers into the crowded mass of snorting, terrified animals. Their success was complete. 'The frightened mustangs broke and ' dashed away at top speed. Nothing short of death could have checked them just then. And still riding hard upon their heels, the plaiusmen thundered across the valley and - entered a rocky pass, knowing that it must be a thoroughfare, else the mustangs, who ntust be well acquainted with the lay of the ground, would have chosen some other passage. The correctness of this reasoning was soon proved, for the scouts fouudthemselves entering another valley, or inclosed basin, surrounded on all sides by high, rocky hills. 'l‘hey abruptly drew rein before entering the soft. soil. Now Was A narrow stretch of shale run ning along the foot of the hills, afforded tneans for this, and dismountting, they carefully picked their way over the tiinty fragments, untilI reaching a narrow passage that extended al- ' most at right-angles with their course, they entered and trot- ted briskly along the hard, rocky floor. The sun, though now considerably past the meridi.n, served as their guide, and when fully satisfied that they were beyond risk of dis- covery, unless the outlaWs should search every rod of the- ‘ bills, the borderers halted in a little niche and prepared to “It‘ll blind out" . f. f . 'v ‘ l . " rams AND, DAEJETEk: 83. i . take the rest they really stood in need of, while ‘arfwgiugt\ their further plans. . , Black Garcia drew along breath of positive relief when‘ he found that there was nothing really dangerous in the J, faintness of Don Munez. Not from any sense of awakened ' ‘ . humanity; he had something in view in which the Don ". ' might be made use of. After that—well, as he muttered be- neath his breath—dead men have still tongues. Hastily calling to one of his men, they bore the body . across the rock-bridge and into the cavern, finally depositing the Don beside Carmela upon the pallet. The maiden, rec- ognizing the begrimed and blood-stained features, bent over her father with a pitcous wail. She believed him dead. “ No, lady," hastily interposed Black Garcia. “ He is alive -he has merely fainted. See—he stirs now.” The outlaw spoke the truth. With a faint sigh, the Don slowly opened his eyes. For a. moment he seemed like one petrified; then a cry of wild, delirious joy broke from his lips as he recognized the features of his child, and sought to clasp her in his arms. But the stout thongs that held his wrists prevented. harshly recalling the peculiar circumstances under which they met. “ I leave you here with your charming daughter, Don \ Munez," said the bandit chief. “I must go look after my ' “ men. But remember, if you attempt to leave this room. you will be stopped by the guards and then confined separate from your child.” , The hours rolled on. The majority of the band was rang- ing the rock-hills, searching for the two Americans and col- ‘ Meeting the stampeded animals. Black Garcia. awaited their return with what patience he could summon, hoping, almost praying that his men would bring in the scalps of the two plainsmen. He could not feel at ease while they lived. They appeared more than mortal men. They must be in league with the evil one himself, to perform such wondertui feats and make such marvelous escapes. , » Time dragged slowly enough to the father and daughter. 1;? Carmela had released 'her parent‘s hands, but they could do nothing more Escape unaided was impossiblq‘and they 82V mamas _ both believed Don Munez to be the sole survivor of the at tacking party. . ,. Toward sunset, Black Garcia visited his captchs. He had been drinking freely, and showed its effects quite plainly in his flushed face and unsteady step, as well as thick, rapid ut< terance. With a mock-polite salutation, Black Garcia sat down [upon the rock-floor, close beside the entrance, and ostenta- tionsly laid his bare cuchillo upon his lap. Then, with fin-‘ . gers a little less skillful than usual, he rolled up a husk ci- garette and lighting it, leaned carelessly back against the Wall, leering at Carmela through the curling waves of smoke, g evidently believing he was making an impression. “Don Munez," he began, “ I have been having quite an argument with my honest men about you. They asked why I did not put a lead pill through your head. I said because you were a friend of mine—" V “ A friend of yours—1?” scornfully interrupted Don ‘Munez. “ The time may come when you will be glad to call me, such—when you will beg and implore your friend to save you, Don Munez, proud as you now are," angrily retorted the bandit. “Best guard your tongue. I am not blessed with the patience of a saint. Do you know who I am? I am a king here—my will is law. I can give you life or I can give you death, by a single word. And death, too, pre- ceded by such tortures as the most ferocious Indian never evon dreamed of. So, I repeat, take heed what you say." “ What. is your will with me ?” demanded 'Don Munez. “ That is more like it. Be respectful, and your life will he the longer. My will? Well, ’tis easy told. I wish you to take your choice betwixt life and death.” “ Hush, Carmela! You must speak plainer, sir. Under some circumstances life would be even worse than death," , quietly responded the Mexican. “ None but a fool would say that. Life is life. Death II ——well, whatsoever doubts you may have on that subject will " be solved in a very few hours,»unlesa you show your good. . ,aensc by making a treaty with me. It is this, I am in love I * with your daughter, the fair Carmela. Nay, hear me out ,' "I i l-Il-Ia-u—w‘w rum. /, then you can speak. \I have loved her for some months. Where or how I first saw her, does not matter now. I It is with only one object in views—that of winning her, as a man of honor should. Well, you know what caused me to adopt, \ another course—those accursed Americans—chosen children of the devil! Aided by the charms of their foul muster, Athey cast shame upon my head. He with the yellow-hair, cast a spell over hen—see! her cheek flushes even now! How could I fight against his infernal arts? In only one way; and that way I followed. ‘ “ Don Munez, I told you I loved your daughter. She is here, wholly in ‘my porter; I wish to make her my wife. It I have your consent, and hers, I will send for a priest. If you refuse «which, for your own sake, I hope you wil: not—you can count your remaining hours of life upon the ’ fingers of one hand. Now you can speak—I am listening," said Black Garcia, with drunken gravity. v / I' My daughter, do you love this man i" . The shudder of intense abhorrenCe that ran over the maid- en’s frame was answer moat eloquent. _ “ Good! If you had said yes, I would have felt tempted to curse you. Listen. You come of a pureoldooded, honor able race. You must not be the first to stain the name. Better death than dishonor. And as for you,Black‘ Garcia,” added Don Munez, turning to the outlaw chief, who sat as if petrified; “ take this for your answer. No child of mine shall ever mate with a thief, renegade, Cutthroat. As fin: myself—it matters little whether I die now or a year hence; by the hand of man, or the clown of a foul, cowardly coy- ole.“~ The biting, contemptuous words of the old man seemed to . ’ Though his face turned a ' ‘ effectually sober the bandit chief. V . sickly grny, and his hand closed nervously upon the heft qt his cuchillo, he answered never a word, but turned and Bi- ’ lently left the apartment. Though Don Munez felt assured" that the words he had ‘ enough that I left my boid‘band and came to your runoh'o' " ‘ spoken had sealed his fate, he gave all his attention to com- _4 forting Carmela, seeking to strengthen her for the coming or deal. He reminded her that she held life or death in he; ' ’ , . v / \ own hands, since the bandit had not deprived her of the stiletto which, like all the women of her race, she carried in hepboaom. Hethreatened her with his dying curse in case she should yield to the threats or persuasions of Black Garcia. ' ' Meanwhile Black Garcia and his lieutenant, Oroélte, were settling the details of the “grand spectacle ” they were to give the bandits that night. ’Twould be prime short, this torturing their most determined and bitter enemy, Don Munez, who had often endeavored to exterminate their noble band. And then, leaving his captain to entertain himself with the big gourd of mezcal, Oroche strode away to arrange matters for the novel fate. Despite their anxiety, the remaining hours of flat day were terribly long and trying to the captives. Any thing was better than this sickening suspense, and it was with pos- itive relief that Don Munez heard the tramp of feet approach- ing his prison. It We Black Garcia and two stout men. At a gesture they flung Don Munez down and bound him hand and foot, then lifting him, they bore him away. Black Garcia, with a drunken leer, passed an arm around Carmela's waist and followed. For a moment she felt tempted to strike him with her dagger, but then all else was forgotten in anxi- ety to learn what fate was in store for her father. Siva was not kept long in suspense. - Passing through the leafy screen, Black Garcia guided her around the point of rocks. Directly before them was a small bonfire. Beside this was planted a stake. Around were scattered piles of faggots. And to this stake, after stripping ,, «hit to his drawers, the bandits were binding Don Munez. ' Carmela sought to shriek aloud, but could not. Sl‘b ’ seemed stifling, and only for the supporting arm of Blue} ~Garcia,she must have fallen to the ground. The bandi' chief laughed loudly, as he leaned against the point of rocks Don Muuez turned his head and beheld the couple. At first glance it seemed as though Carmela was holding the outlaw in a voluntary, loving embrace. “ Carmela—remember my words! My curse restupou you forever if you submit to that cowardly lurderer l" - “Ha! ha! old man, you are a poor, blind fool, unfit to,‘ 'Llive. I offered you life and» freedom, but you chose death for >- I , ‘ v _ a TRAGEDY. ‘ 85"- yonrsclf and disgrace for your daughter instead. There is no retracting—it shall be so. You shall die a death of horrible torture, while you can soothe your last moments by reflecting that this same night your daughter becomes mine,” tauntineg cried Black Garcia. Yet In: it was who was the “poor, blind fool." Even as he scoffed and mocked at the brave old man, the shadow of death was creeping over him. His thread of life was all spun—was eVen then about to snap. His minutes, his seconds of life were counted. “Come, darling,” he added, in a thick. maudlin tone that he meant: should be intensely loving,.as he turned. to face Carmela. “ This is no place for hearts like ours. The scene that is about to take place is too tragic—let us go to our bridal chamber-41a! ha i" Carmela appeared like one stupefied. Her face was ghastly pale. Her eyes were fixed in u stony stare ; her hand . r was cold as ice. Yet she mechanically yielded to the out- law’s arm, which still encircled her waist. And thus, in seem- ing afi‘ectionate embrace, the couple so strangely assorted passed around the point of rocks and was hidden from view of those beside the bonfires “ You are wise, my queen. to yield to the inevitable,” said ‘- Black Garcia, 11 little indistinctly, for the fiery mezcnl was beginning to clog his tongue. “You are very wise. I am a rising man—you, as my bride, will he a rising woman. . I am king here—but listen. I mean to get up a pronuncia- mento, and then I will be dictator—" . “ You don’t say!" gritted a deep voice, as a black figure bprose before the bandit chief, seemingly from out of the very ground. “ I reckon you‘re goin’ down ’stead 0' up/"_ A sinewy hand clutched the outlaw’s throat—a keen-point‘ 8d blade was driven once—twice to the very hilt in his chest. “Look to the gal, pard ;- don't let her squeel. Make fer the horses, hot foot. I‘m goin’ to lift this varmint‘s hn'r l” > A second figure glided away with Carmela in his arms, one hand over her lips. The other stooped over the fallen outlaw for a moment. When he arose, something black: . dangled in his hand. , It was the scalp of Black Garcia, the mountain oualaw. l i so fatal to their comrades. CHAPTER X. “nucnnnunl” Tmusme the ghastly trophy into his. sash. Mustang Sam glided after Hurricane Bill. Together they passed the rock-bridge and entered the mouth of the pass that had been' But there was no one lying in ambush for them now. Even those of the bandits who had been detailed as guards, were now with the rest. around the old prisoner, unrehuked. ‘Wonderfully bold and daring as they undoubtedly were, the Americans would not dare inter- fere with nearly two score men. So reasoned- Oroche. Black Garcia was no longer capable of acting as chief. Arid thanks to this eagerness of the sentinels to witness the “sport,” the two scouts had managed to creep up within ear- shot, just in time to rescue Carmela. A burst of wild laughter came from around the rock-spur. I The sport was evidently commencing. Carmela gave a start, and shudder-ed convulsively. The sound restored her life and energy. “ Save him—save my father l” she gasped. “ You first—then him," quickly replied Hurricane Bill. " No-—’twill be too late, then. I will not leave without him. See l” and Carmela writhed from the plainsman‘s arms, and uplifted her right. hand, grasping a small but keen stil- etto. “ I will not leave him here to die alone. He gave up his life for mine. I will not. desert him now. Let me .go back—attempt to stop me, and I will drive this weapon to my heart. Quick—stand aside if you are men I" , “She’s talkin’ durned nonsense, pard, but she means it, plum through. You jest let me do the talkin’," mutteied Mustang Sam. then adding: “Lady you are with friends whose only object is to rescue you,even as we did your sister. She is alive and well—yon shail‘ join her Vrry soon if you will only trut and here confidence in us—" “ I know you now—you are the great, the, generousaineil- i ‘ 4 take her to the horses. ‘r , ‘ ~ «y ‘,\ A man coxewsrox. r l ’ \ t ' cans! I Save him—save my father. You can—you will not refuse—I will ask it upon my knees i" “ Mustang, thsr’s no “use talkin’—we’ve got to do it. I’d dive down the henyon o’ the Big Redef she was to at me. I'm goin‘ to bring the old man out or bu'st somethin’. You 'F I don’t meet you in ten minutes, you mount an’ make tracks, fer I‘ll be rubbed out. You kin tell her then' what I told you yest'duy—I mean 'bout her cor; ralin’ me so peert." “ Kinder easy, pard—you don’t give me the shake like that. I reckon I’ll hev a finger in the pie." ‘5 You will rescue him, then ?" tremblingly asked Carmela, to whom most of this hurried talk was Greek, though she ' caught an inlcling of their meaning. “ We'll try it.vlady," replied Mustang Sum. “ It’s long odds, but. then they are only cowardly coyotes, after all.” “ Ouf l we’re burnin’ daylight,” muttered Hurricane. " They’ll, rub the old man out. while we stan’ hyar palaverin'. Le’s git to work. Which is it? u-foot or on hosshack i’" “ Critters ’ll be best. An’ then‘we kin spraddle out so the I greasers ’ll think we’re fifty, ef we use our lungs judgmaticul, Then we’ll need the critters to kerry OR the old mun, He may be pest runnin’, ye know." ' ' “ Back to the horses, then. Tell her not to squeel, pard. I‘d only make a cussed icol o’ myself at I war to try." ' Mustung Sam hustin told Carmela what they intended doing, and then Hurricane Bill ruised her once more in his arms. A curious thrill ran through his frame at the contuct. and his head grew light. But this was only momentary. He darted down the pass swift and sure-footed as a mountain goat. Instead of being an incumhrance the weight in his arms appeared to lend him Wings. “03 wi‘ your buck-skin," uttered Mustang Sum, as they reached the animals. “We must muffle the critters. Cut up the pieces, while I tell the lady what’s up." " Hustin but clearly the borderer told Cnrmela the plan they hnd decided upon, bidding her I ope L r the hi st. She was to remain at this point until their ntnrn. At tln ir sig- nal-a sharp whistleo—she wus to Slulltl ruudy to he lifted on; horseback. There might he no time to 10:1}, lill'ugh it wag l 88 ' . ' ntmmesnn 13m. barely possible that their sudden onset might demoralizo thel outlaws beyond thinking of pursuit until ’ttvould be too .late. But it was best to be prepared for the worst. “I will remember. You will find me‘beside this rock,” ' laid Carmela, with wonderful calmness. . his feet. Mustang Sam said no more. Hurricane Bill had cut up his buck-skin hunting-shirt into squares and strips, and the scouts now deftly mufiied' the hoofs of their animals, tying the leather firmly in place. Thus, even upon the flinty rock, the animals’ hoofs gave out no echo. Then, with a parting caution to Carmela, the two scouts rode forth upon their perilous, daredevil mission. Two men braving two score. It was more than folly. It was sublime audacity. “ Give the varmints a taste 0' your repeaters, pard. Yell like the devil en a tare. But keep a eye on me. I’ll eat the old man loose, an’ then give a whistle. Then you must come an' pick him up. You’re stronger ’n I be. I’ll keep the varmints back, while you're doin' it.” These yvere the only words that passed between the border brothers as they trotted along toward the scene. They un- derstood each other thoroughly. As they neared the point of rocks, they drew their revol- vers. Then, yelling like demons, in a dozen difl'erent tones, their pistols speaking rapidly, carrying death and dismay into the close-crowded mass of outlaws, the scouts charged reck- lessly. . A revolvsr in each hand, his teeth fixed upon the reins,“ Hurricane Bill hurled the big buck-skin fairly into the midst of the astonished bandits. At every report. a man fell, dead or mortally wounded. Buck-skin, in obedience to the spurs that pricked his flanks, plunged and reared, flinging out his heels viciously, tearing and biting at the dusky forms around him like a mud beast. Excited, though obeying every touch of the rein, Tornado halted beside the strike, unheeding the flames that scorched Fortunately the torch had just been applied, and the twigs were not 'fnil‘ly ignited. Mustang Sam bent in the/1 : saddle and with two powerful slashes, severed the cords that bound Don Munez to the stake. Then, sounding the shrill l \ ENHI~fifi flu!!! mm H t. “raw n.—n~ :g‘. .,,'no'rwonx_.4 . .' 89 4 g; ‘ \ . . 1 signal agreedlupon, he urged Tornado forward and plunged ‘ into the melee, adding his quota to the slaughter. , It was not a fight. The bandits, for the most part without arms, a great many of them bulf-stupefied with liquor, seemed totally incapable of either self-delense or flight. Not a hand was raised against the Americans. Not a blow was struck ‘ save those they themselves delivered. It was a massacre. , Hurricane Bill promptly obeyed the signal. Wheeling buck-skin, he crushed through the crowd, and reached the ' stake just as Don Mum-z sprung out of the fiery circle. , "I‘m a fri’nd, 010 man—give us your paw an’ up yer come I" shouted Hurricane Bill. ‘ . Don. Munez understood and recognized the pluinsman,and grasping the profl‘ered hand, he swung himself up behind Hurricane Bill, who shouted 5 “ All right. pard—puckaclzee l” Buck-skin darted around the point of rocks with his double burden, and then thundering over the rock-bridge, entered the pass. Mustang Sam only paused for a parting bldw, and then followed his comrade, overtaking him just before reach- ing the point where Carmela had been left. Sounding the agreed-upon signal, it was promptly answered, and the next moment Carmela was in Mustang's arms. “ Whoo-oopi we euchered the varmints that time i" yelled 1 Hurricane Bill, in an ecstasy of triumph. . “ Right you be, Billy; ‘twus a neat job. But I don't {eckon we're through wi’ the game yit. Lis‘en to that I" . Even as Mustang Sam spoke, a loud yell came‘echoing down “)8 pass. It seemed as though the outlaws had suddenly re- covered their senses—as though they now saw how sublimely they had been duped. They had only seen two men—til: dthredevil Americans who had (seeped the death-trap in lbe Pass. \Yet oVer_a dozen of their men were dead or disabled. SIlould the heretics escape to boast of their deeds? No——n ‘ thousand times no! This is what that wild, vindictive yell said. Riding close side by side, Don Munez and Carmela clasped hands for one moment. It was like the dead returning to life. Even with that yell echoing in their ears they Were happy. ' Fox‘the moment they forgot the death of Don Luis. fiufifiteaurt BI'LL. l " Lead on to the place wh'a'r y’ott crossed over, part1,” laid Mustang Sum. “Once over the kenyon, I reckon we kin, give these vnrmints the slip, s’posin’ they foller us." The doubly-laden animals could make but slow progress through the rock-strewn country. The trail was winding and intricate. The riders were ignorant of the best route. They had only passed over the ground once, and then in too great haste to take particular notice. The bandits would have them at a frightful disadvantage if they should follow. “ Hyar's the place,I b‘lieve," at lengflr uttered Hurricane Bill, reining in his horse close beside the canon. “ It’s time, too. I kin hear the varmints comin’ down full split, now we're still. But sure this ’s the place l" “ "1‘ looks like it. We had to jump our critters over,” ‘re- turned Hurricane, peering anxiously forward. The opposite side could hardly be distinguished, owing to the gloom cast by the rocks and shrubs beyond. It was a moment of painful suspense. From behind came the unmis- tukahle sounds of a hot pursuit, the bandits having rallied, were burning for revenge. ' “ Look out thar l" sharply cried Mustang Sam, as he ~ touched Tornado with the spur. The noble brute rose into the air like a bird and then ‘ alighted safely upon the other sltle with his master and Car- mela. There had been no danger in the leap, yet the cour- age displayed by Mustang Sam was none the less on that ac-, count. ’ “ Come on, pard. Buck skin kin step acrost,” laugheth Mustang Sam. “ ’Tnin't ten foot ncrost it.” A moment later, buck-skin alighted beside Tornado. ' “ Mustang, you ride on wi’ her—keep us nigh as you kin to the trail we follered in comin’ hyar, so’s I’ll know whar to look fer ye. Never you mintl what; you hear back hyar— you jest ‘tcnd to her." “ What’s up now, pnrd ‘f” (lentauded the Mad Rider. “ You hear them varmiuts? They’re hendin' straight fer this croseiu’. Et they pass this, we’re goucrs. They know the lay o' the grcnnd an' we don’t. I’m goin’ to keep ’em on t’other side fer a bit; ontel you git a fair start.” “ I’ll stay an’ help—" ' V some» 'max’idans O , . " No yc won't, nut'ner. I’m runnin'Jliis outfit,just now You take her and puckaclwe. Git—I mean business.” Though with evident reluctance, Mustang Sam turned and rode away, after first handing Don Munez one of his. M'an vers. It went against the grain sorely to leave his partner to meet the enemy alone, but he knew that Hurricane would not be crossed eVen by his best friend, and a quarrel now would be worse than folly. ‘ “ You’re going to fight them, senor?" asked Don Munez. “ Yes—goin’ to keep 'em from erossin', efl kin. You kin help—jest fire at ’ent whenever you ketch a chaince, an’ keep jumpin' around in difl'erent places. I don’t reckon we‘ll hev very hard work to keep ‘em hack long enough to let Mustang git away safe. Likely they’ll think we’re all hyar. But now lay low. Do jest as I do.” _ Buck-skin was loosely tethered beyond apils of rocks. Hurricane Bill and Don Mum-z crouched under cover close beside the canon, their tire-arms ready. Thongh as yet the outlaws were invisible in that land of shadows, the rapid hoof-strokes could plainly be distinguished, and the trained ear of the young scout could determine their position within a few yards. Beyond a doubt they were making for the crossing; either suspecting the fugitives had made use of it, or else they were desirous of surrounding them as quickly as possible. i - V The outlaws trotted briskly up to the crossing. From his covert Hurricane Bill could quite plainly distinguish them. And leveling his revolver, he fired twice in rapid succession. Don Munoz imitated his exitmple. The outlaws were most efi‘ecmully surprised. Nor was this lessened when Hurricane Bill, while rapidly emptying his revolvers, shouted in a loud, clear voice : “ Charge, lads—charge an’ they’re oursl Work ’er up lively, boys! Whtm'mpr’ . With cries of terror and dismay the Mexicans broke and fled, the wild war-cry of Hurricane Bill Sounding in their ears long after they had vanished from view. Then, with a ‘ ' tpleasant laugh, the scout turned to Don Munez. “ That’s settled. Now fer to join our fri'nds. I don’t reckon we’ll hev any more trouble afor'e day, any how.” ~ 2 \ t‘1- ,,-.' " x' ‘ MMCANFBIL. V ,er “ We owe you’ our lives—I and my child l"'_ ' ' “ Thar—doti’t say no more. I wasn’t workin‘ fer nothin’. U? I reckon you’ll hev to pay me a big priCe fer what I’ve did, when we git through all right,” interrupted Hurricane. ‘ “ I’m rich—I will give you half of all I am worth—” “ I wasn’t speakin’ of money, old man—hut thar. Let it drop fer now. Jump up ahind me. We’ll hev to ride right. peert to ketch up wi’ Mustang, I reckon.” H “ Not much you won’t, pnrd,” culled out a cheery voice from directly in front. “ I heard you burnin‘ powder, an’ I wanted a hand in. The lady hyar begged me not to leave her father, so back I comes—jest in time to be too late." . " ’Twas a fool trick, pnrd—you’d orter be a long ways from hyar by now,” reproachfully said Bill. “ The varmints is whipped. What difference? Now we ’ kin take our ease. Even s'posin’ them varrnints do try to fol- ler Us; a bloodhound couldn’t sca’cely keep a trail over these rocks. An’ by day we'll be fur enough ahead 0' them." “I ain’t so sure. They've got thur ebenezer up powerful, an’ 'll try hard to git square. They know the My 0’ the l ground better’n we do, an‘ fust thing we know mebhe We’ll run kersplunt into a ambush.” ~ ," No danger, pard; ’cuuse why. They ain’t ugoin’ to fol t ler the trail we take. They’d see a devil or u. spook in every rock nn’ bush. They wouldn’t fuller us ef we was out. in ' plain sight. You fergit the Evil Land, Hurricane," chuckled Mustang Sam. ‘ “ You’re right, pard—as you sl’ays uir—I did fergit it. I, reckon We’ve got the drop on ‘em this time! But,” and Hur- ricane hesitated. “ But how’ll they like it 1’” “My friends," said Don Munoz, “ we are wholly in your hands. Take whatever course you think best, and we will be content. We passed through the Evil Lend once un- harmed; why should we fear to do it again i!" I No more was said. The party rode steadily forward, and long before the sun tinged the eastern sky with gold, the) were threading the mazes of the far-tuned Mal Pat‘s. _._.mmn-—¢D “17‘ CHAPTER XI. m THE “,EVIL LAND." Snxnrsn in the Evil Land! The golden rnys streamed over a wild, weird scene, strange and fantastic as one of Doré’s conceptions. Here it wus a perfect wilderness of sierrn; there, a. dense Chaparral thickly Covered with mezquites nnd nopals, with clumps of Cecil and nfigmthorn." Here the high rank grass brusth the sides of the fugitives’ horses. Such is the circle that surrounds the volcanic region. A sharper contrast could scarcelybe imagined. All at once this dense vegetation ceases, leaving, scattered far apart, bunches of cacti, a dwarf oak, or per. chance two or three cocoa trees, growing out. of the cracks in the lava. The ground rumbles and seems to shake beneath the horses’ trend, until one can not help fancying that only a . thin crust separates him from some horrible subterranean nbyss. The flow of molten lava can easily be traced, uudu. lining, winding in serpentine coils, forming a gigantic mo. suic. Here rises a smooth. polished cone, there another with mini- mum turrets, not. unlike an ant-hill. Some of them are broken ; all are hollow, the shell Varying from six to twenty‘ inches in thickness. Peering intofine, the eye can see noth. lug save a dense, impenflmbifi darkness. Drop a‘ stone into . the hole, it. rebounds here and there, until the sound is lost In the distance. How far does it descend? One can only conjecture. Yet these black pits are inhabited; by the huge, bloated serpents that: may occasionally be seen lazily gliding over the lava-beds. But there are still other inhabitants of the Evil Land: From the shade of yonder dwarf oak, siinks away a gaunt gray wolf—a “ 101200;" a species that is known only in ex’ioo and some‘ portions of Tents—pausing when at a sat. distance to utter a longdrawn, lugnbrious howl as if protest- ing against this invasion of his domain. A family of jaaalz'naa leap up from their wollowing place with shrill snorts and eye the travelers, viciously champing their long, white tusks, / half inclined to attack the intruders. Here the trampling of hoofs start up a cow}; of quail, or a, couple of grouse; the soft, long-drawn note of the dove was mingled with the more rapid call of the wood pigeon. Such is the Evil Land and its inhabitants. A native would add demons, gnomes, aphrites; but our friends beheld none or these. The“ Witching hour" was past. It, was {midfor‘enoon when Hurricane Bill called a halt. Both animalsvand riders were tired, sleepy and hungry. Of water they had a supply, having filled their gourds at a spring just before daylight. Of food, two and a half brace of grouse hung beside Hurricane Bill's leg. He had dropped them while riding along, with his revolver. \ “ I, reckon this is the best place we kin find," observed the tall plainsman, as he paused upon the edge of the crater. “ It looks cool down thar. Then the critters kin git drink, sech as it is. The smoke ’ll scatter afore it rises the edge hyar." - Even Don Munez hesitated but for a moment. Though naturally anxious‘to reach home and safety as quickly as pos- sible, and dreading lest the bandits should improve the time thus given them, to get before them once more, he saw that Carmela was utterly exhausted. 'She must rest, in order to have strength to meet the difficulties that might still bestrew their path. Yet it required all his courage to enter what the natives called the Temple of the Evil Spirits. Dismounting, Hurricane Bill gently lifted Carmela from Tornado’s' hack andthen'carried’ her down to the side of the miniature lake. The big borderer was wonderfully tench and careful; the change became him, too. He tore ofi‘ huge handsful of leaves to form a cushioned eeat. And he felt a thousand fold repaid when Carmela‘s dark eyes met his in mute thanks. _Hnrricana Bill was corraled. A small tire was kindled and the grouse were speedily must- ’v ing. The horses were eagerly feeding, after a siiifl‘ of dis-f gust at the water. It was jolly black, though clear, at lens; I a TRYING some. to the eye. But 'a myriad frogs, efts and insects of different kinds were swimming and darling about, until the water seemed fairly alive. The margin was fringed with 'vvater- piauts, some of them in bloom. With an extraordinary dis- play of gallantry, Hurricane set out to pluck a bouquet for Carmela. But he soon desisted, in disgust, Though beauti- ‘ ful. some of them wondrously delicate in form and hue, the flowers were impregnated with a sickening, fetid odor. Their food dispatched, all save Hurricane Bill lay down to take a brief sleep. He was to keep guard, though there was little need, for "inter Indian nor bandit would willingly venture near the Devil's Temple. After an hour, he was to arouse Mustang Sam. Two hours would be rest enough, as they hoped to reach the macho before another day. With his pipe lighted, Hurricane Bill sat‘leaning against a lava block, his eyes tixcd upon the face of Carmela, who was buried in a deep slumber. Of what was be thinking? Well, reader, you can guess as Well as I. He had confessed that the soft-eyed maiden had “ corr'aied " him—that he was “ dead-stuqk ;" that is," in love. Isn’t that enough? ‘ . Half an lryur passed by. The pipe is extinguished. The head of Hurricane Bill drops forward. He is asleep on post. Yet what can that matter? All is safe. No enemy is near. So1ie believed. But he was mistaken. A soft rustling in the grass. A long, beautiful, yet loath- some form ‘glides out. upon the lava beside the sleeping maid- en. It rears its lance-shaped head, and seems about to launch its hideous length upon the slumberer. But then it resumes its silent progress. Its curiosity appears satisfied. This is but a curious shape of lava. 1t glides up beside the maiden. Then its head passes beyond hers, doubles around as though meaning to pass by. Perhaps its den is near. But Carmela, with a faint moan, slightly moves her head. Like a flash the serpent flings its head and neck around. A black, forked .nd glistening tongue plays silently just. above the maiden's ,' check. The fiery eyes Seemed riveted upon'hers, despite the closed lids. Another movement, howeVer slight, and Car. mela's death-warrant is sealed. For this the serpent appears ltowatch. ' I g - A‘It this incident Hurricane Bill opened his eyes. A gldw r ’ ‘ 1', ' L I l . a . ' 9/6 , nonalcmn BILL; ~ of horror tilled them. He saw the threatening attitude of the snake, and knew that Carmela was in terrible danger. Quick as thought he cocked and leveled his revolver, the sil- ver drop covering the reptile’s head. Yet he hesitated to fire. He saw that to kill the serpent, the bullet must fairly graze Carmela‘s temple. And he feared his nerves were not steady enough. Yet he dared not wait. It was the severest trial of his life. ‘ I The decision was forced upon him. He heard a faint sigh -—Carmela seemed about to waken. And then he fired. The next instant he was beside Carmela, the serpent clenched desperately in his hands, to be flung far away with the same gesture. Yet there was no need. His aim had been true. The serpent’s head had been blown to pieces. And as Carmela, confused, bewildered, sprung up, a lock of r . hair fell from her temple. The bullet had seVered it. Hur- ricane Bill caught the tress before it could touch the ground. ’ “ It’s nothin’,” he hastily uttered as the two men sprung up. “ I jist shot a snake—that’s all." ' ' But Carmela understood it all, as she raised one hand to J . her temple. The severed hair, the curious tingling where a slight red line marked the skin, the dead snake; all these / told a plain tale. And as she saw the black trees in his hand, her eyes flashed a quick messnge to his. Hurricane Bill felt queer—as he might have expressed it— “ all over in spots.” In that glance he read a volume. It said: “ You have saved my life once more. You prize that trees, because it once belonged to me. You love me with all L your soul. And 1—1 am not offended l” ' Hurricane Bill said nothing just then, for Don Munez had hastened to his daughter's side to assure himself that she had indeed escaped the poisonous fangs. But as the tall plains- » man squatted dOWn beside Mustang Sam, he quietly ut- tered‘: l f“I reckon I’ll take a hand in that race you spoke of, _ pard.” ' It, was finally decided not to lose any more time there, since the horses were beginning to feel ' the need of drink. And the sun was excessively warm. ‘ V Besides, they wished to t', momentum ’ "l W get out of the Mal Pat: by\ sun-down. One‘ ‘night of such traveling was enough. v Mustang Sam—remembering how considerate his partner had been on a former occasion, now won Hurricane Bill’s un- dying gratitude, by arranging a new order of march. ‘- As buckisliin was the strongest horse, Hurricane and Carmela were to ride him, while Don Munez and Mustang took “turn about" on Tornado. Just what passed between the young people—all that they" said and a good portion of what they thought, the acute reader can probably guess. One thing is certain. Neither of them ever forgot that ride. It was the beginning of a new life for them both. / CHAPTER XII. A MATTER OF COURSE “ LOOK yonder—see the " smoke signals 1?" muttered Mus- , tang Sam to Hurricane,just before sunset, nodding toward two difl‘ereut points from whence arose slender columns of black smoke. “ That means mischief.” . “ It‘s Injun style, but I h’lieve it’s put up by some o’rthose pesky greasers. ’l‘hey’ve sighted us, sure. Well, let ‘em try— it on. We sickened 'em once; I reckon we kin do it ag’in,” quietly replied Hurricane Bill. , “ Thur cniu't be more‘n a dozen 0‘ them left?” “About that, unless they've run acrost help. You mean—1’” “Yes. Thar's no use in takin’ her in “danger. Them ’ICopet bullets is so darned keerless—they hit any thing they hain‘t aimed at. We’ll press on to the open ground beyond them hills; an’ then let the old man take his gal. It’ll be plain travelin‘ then, an’ I don’t reckon the critters ever wore hn'r askin overhaul Tornado an' buck-akin in a,fa’r race." I This was the decision arrived at by the scouts, they having , g .' . \\‘ l , ,‘1 a. ‘ drawn aside to: consultatign 1.01.1 discoveries the signal smokes. They would cover the retreat of Don Munez and Carmela, feeling assured that even were the bandits to prove too heavy for them, they could easily give them the slip under cover . of night, in those ragged hills, cut up with defile: and can- 1 cos, filled with a thousand snug caches. Don Muuez demurred ; he did not like to leave his brave young friends to face the peril alone. But he was overruled, and finally, for Carmela‘s sake, he consented to carry out his part of the programme as laid down by Hurricane. V With Carmela on Tornado, and Don Muuez on buck-Skin, the quartette hastened on and entered a long, narrow defile, . , just as the bandits broke cover a quarter of ‘a mile away, charging recklessly, with wild, devilish yells of hatred. “ Ride fer your lives now l” cried Hurricane Bill; and . then, as the father and daughter dashed rapidly along the g " 'pass, the two scouts turned and coolly faced the enemy, though keeping well concealed behind the bowlders. “ Jest look at ’eml I don’t reckon they know who it is they’re huntin‘ so keerless," laughed Hurricane Bill. “ I reckon it's the last hunt the biggest part of 'em ’ll ever take, grimly replied Mustang Sam. / i p fl'fid n—Amus—tH—OrOr-Fn-E- The bandits thundered on, rushing to their doom, with a strange lack of caution. But, after all, it was but natural for them to believe that the fugitives had fled straight on. Why should two men face a dozen? They, themselves, were not daring enough to suspect such a thing. _/ t' “ The blind feels!" muttered Hurricane Bill, as the ban- dits rapidly advanced in a close clump. “ Take it cool, pard. Let ’emcome clean to the mouth. We kin wipe ’em out then, store they kin think 0‘ fl'ghtin’ or runnin’ away.” And then, when the riders were not more than twenty yards distant, the two scouts leaped out into the open pass * and sent a‘leaclen hail of death into the bewildered bandits. g The first shot caused them to draw rein; and then, as the \ sharp reports followed in rapid succession, each missile claim- ing a victim, the Mexicans sought to flee. But few of them ever lived to tell the tale of that massacre. Cool and delib- erate, yet quick as Mveteran sportsman among a covey‘s)! ‘ wilt the, tether was picked «a the. matches one by «an A"... 1 .IL " hearty. 4% Three of the pmlawp managed to escape The reminder lay ‘ before the mouth of 'the defile. And the terrified rug}. ave: Were lent wings by the wild, mocking peal of laughter that rose from the lungs of the victors. ' 'First reloading their weapons, the scouts took a hasty look It the fallen, then started out to catch up a couple of the horses that were still prancing around as if unwilling to abandon their late masters. With some little difltculty the capture was made, and then the scouts rode hard 'in pursuit ' V of Don Munez and Carmela. But if Hurricane Bill counted “ upon another stolen bit of conversation with the soft-eyed, that night, he was disappointed. Don Munez had no wish ' to fall into the hands of Black Garcia’s gang again, and he pressed on at 'a killing pace, reaching his raucho just at day- . break. He immediately sent word to the neighbors, and ‘ placed himself at their head, forgetting his great fatigue, re- solved to avenge the daring Americans in case they had been overpowered, as he feared. Instead, he met them well and There is little to add that the reader’s imagination can not easily supply. There was a little mourning over Don Luis. A little love. making between Isidora and Mustang Sam. Ditto between Carmela and Hurricane Bill, who finally mustered courage to ask the “ soft-eyed ” to repeat in words the message her eyes had telegraphed to his, when he won that tress of silky hair, ,A double Conference with Don Munoz, who almost forgot .lis grave demeanor and blue blood, so overjoyed was he at the double confession. And he declared that he’d rather _ have the two Americans for sons-in-law than the proudest monarchs in the world. Then there was a grand feast—a “holiday "—attended by every person for miles around ; un- less it were the few survivors of the once dreaded Black ' ' Garcia's‘ hand. And first among the skillful contestants, were Mustang Sam and Hurricane Bill, with Tornado and buck- skin. Then came the fandango; after it, the ceremony which completed the “ corraling " of our two scouts. For seVeral days ,the festivities lasted. Then the newly- f wedded couple settled down to every day are. They as. l \ v ' \ 100 ' mmcm m; ’ ; . . . / , listed Don‘ Munez on his cattle farm, and, in two years baa fairly doubled the capital. And the Indians soon learned to' give thst rancho a wide berth. Don Munnz died two years since. Hurricane Bill Ind ' Hnslang Sam with their two wives are still living. S ‘ANDARD DIME DIALOGUE S For School Exhibitions and Home Butcrtoinmmtl. In. I hail lllloolu. II does Popular Dlolomm lid Drumm- In ouch book. m vol“. “I "mo pngu, um you-pom, on ":de o! prleo, Inn unu- Bundle & Adams. Pubnlherl. 98 William St... N. Y. W I This volume hm". boon prop-rod with lop-ch] "farm" to ma. "plum" I", Exhu‘moy w «hell no uulu-u \ ml: or wulhrul Illa rurnIum : I n up u,“ .umd ,.. swva YOUNI} PEOP of nay no both mnlo lml fomn . 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Savornl Humour“ A Soul-Ila I M [4”. For two M Th. (kuldnn Rnlo. Two malo- And two lama-luff?“ Groon mm. For two mil“ Tn. am of tho Privy Qunn. Sever-l {nu-nun. 'l'ln Ton- Man of Salon". Fm ht m ‘ j Tainan In null Dr 19 For. For two ell-noun. gm Old ludy'u Wlll. For [our lull-o. 1") Country A|"\l'l Vlli‘ to tho City. For I“ no Lmlo flail-Jo hon. For two Ilulo w. l.) H II n" to ‘IIuI'W n no uuny uuful and AVIHDUIO dulo'ua And I «d Chflm" How to led In oln For flu mug. The Two Roman. For hm mnloq, Th. Virtual, For six young MI... W Ilia Chum". For thrn mulu. A Connnbl.“ Eulogoo. - 7!" 1w Fundy. For nvnrul Hula-Alt." Tho Public xnwtln . flunk-HIde M 1 bar. {’or lover-l duruhm. Tho Englll . Tun or. for two-aloo- DIME )IALOGUES, N0. 3. fl Ally Que.»- For ’- u‘ln chool. Tho Chum; Cook. [or two mold. Gnu Roth-m Woman. 170- h. !umnlon. Mulorplsce. For two Inland two has)“ ‘ (owing Bad Gang-n". A Pure-n. Fnrflvo III-loo. Thu Two ll mum. For In molol. Mnln Uudm Mlllu. I "also. l low-k. Tho Somu. Socond “BA. to- vao main. [lilo-m Reps—"Jonng A Burluquo. 4 null". Showlng on VIM“ Futon. I malts, l (anvi- t-upln; 11w M B- For numernuu union. Thu Home Call. A Hull-31v». I‘m on: main. DIME DIALOGUES N0. 4. flu but fir ;. For no r mom roman. The Stu L'eumn \‘olonm. 9 ml", 1 Ion- Dmrzlng In I. '. ’l‘lxns .nnle- nnul two femalel. A Srrne fro-o “ l‘nul Fry." For fun! run“. "in. H . :- .. Clurity. F :r tlmm liLllo gl 'l‘ho Clurnn. For than molar and «n? 11th on»; rune-u. For two mull" one fem-lo Bu Clnrk 'nrd Broom. ['9' Elm-- “We .zt-IA l'he l my. A . brd FIF‘J. Fm sly lit! a girls. Tho .lxlu Vn. A Culloquy. io- ‘wx boy; ‘TM Enf‘mnlal Prior». 9 ma ovum] fenxalu ‘ the I mm Saul. F‘r lv-o umlu. ‘er‘ h Honnrlo Duo. 11 l <,l feumle The (‘rimu .vl' D‘s-t. A Collnqvq'. 170"” 5.0 .u. Luruv—nlmu «mm: fcmnln- Th. vau' u! 3.x.nnlencc. rtv (u y, .1 Ducuulon. For twenty “Mll‘l. Tho )clkr. {b.1140 lanky. DIME DIALDGUES, L3. 5. Buns". F‘r «hm-l nr nrlor. lh‘izlnr on \.--v A Collnnnv 5.5.4 A “ Thu. Par-rud' " a re. 7h: Slrnlgyn Min" 1 ind m. Cumin. m mu" .m ram-m. 7w», Idea. 0: Lu... A Comrquy. so. at M - In P‘. Socloty. F"! "W: out! A tendon Enron l‘mn Mn;an Fdldm. hnmlnulon Dov. For savor-l {Imnln chrocun Mo-tryJ'nm-y. A: Acllnl! Chm“- !n In -"l‘n " For Ion-ll moln. Tho SIX Vin-m. For ILI oulll‘d'u‘ for I Bry- Tritium-l. For Mn boys. The lfll'im-n n Home 01' "'0 um“ ‘ 7 o- , an. Sour-l Hillel and {on .nlu. / Fuhlonabla R. ulnmonh. For chm I"h u! NM :0 9“ In Amour. For two :J-nnu. 1 Buy ufl’. (3%"), for club”! Iou lltlhflli DIME DIALOGUES, N0. 8. for. Way Thoy Run 130"“. Mal. and “malt Tho Two Crmnulon. F"? “"00 Md" hit Pout under Dimer-Nu. For fin mom. Tho "our!" of Pally. For I number ol Mud. “Tum 'I'rll. For a vhmo u‘noal. Anu' Bony'l Htlfl!‘ rout “mill soil-enm- rm um {om-l.- nnd on mug thank Biron. Mon run-Inna tw- unlu. Tho Libo' Soil». 3' cl “OH {la-G Gillan. Male and kind»- Slu'. chug, run A make 0! Dom elk-Mm— I‘m“ For uvam ll m j m 1'». Imp. Mm nuts 5 n M: low. ooh. rot-laud“. hemp-linden. “In I , ’ r ‘7. v \ w . I / ‘ _ V ‘. 7‘ 1911!! 563061. Ind Dialogues . - . - / L bum Drawer drum. No.23. ‘ J nth A! mvler, All Ibout I ha. um; Chlncu mun“, My mlghbor‘l do”. ' l ‘ \l‘unippl mlmJa, Scandnl, . Th. mlnllnl. dufiuy ol Coudunud )1wa V: . l1”! comm w, A dIrk Ildu vluv, |hI Illulmmn, Plclul, D« .. mm! val Mu, II TI uur uy, PI", MrCInn, Thu NureldII, .(utl urnin. Gnu-nun, Synyl Iron Jolh Bll Luanda 0! Aging, l‘n: U'Flnhnny II VI- Mxry’uhmIH nu lInb1 llnxl. Thu now-pun "new man'u rlglnl. A bunny diam-m, DI Incl-Mum ab do A dohlm‘l mbblu' v The noun mlIrl. how Tolalu w to spat, Iiuwnfion. Tho wmlnz mIn. thnv “IPAkII,” Old Mu. Grim.“ DAP’D uufllu luv and" Th llllgnm m ' llauklnh but»: on \ puody, do Inn, Muldoou’l, hlqhenln-hw, Mun Ind uh. A Noun) Mllgloul pun, ThIl. llllle Mb, 0 dldu'l Ioll lhn hm. hill llnderwmd,pflo\ ThIl viollu {ha corn", 1 us than no" of Funk ‘)1d GrInlIy, l'lInlc duli LII, A gen-win: lab I lin’I kin, l‘bI plll pIJdlIl‘ uI- Our cmdi Iu'l vlewl, An lnvilnllv‘ ’ would I Inn I be) liun, .‘IlnndroIIy'I wl-dmn, Mn! 0! luau-q, cunln, 4"de Grun’l lul Plrlu lInqugu by lrush- TIM cum, I unnu- uou, words, I lul Juno, Out In“. 9. DIME I)? AI OGUES No. 28. anllm. fhnolndlu and urn gentlemen. v‘l‘hc lawn of mercy. Two «11 mm“ ‘1‘. “unnum- Ind‘nulu-hllln. Six Lullu Ind I'Vll’ll F'IrJuv wlul gnu punch. | 3m lull-I. I-r.($n|~f. Pound-n. Numeroun clan-nun. A ms tn-LJld not full. Slx bow. Tho u. vIIIing Ipm. Two mlu In! “C Two ways I Haul“; IllingI. Two um. glrlI. Inna]... Don‘t cuwfl your chicken: hel‘um m, In Grub. Two rmlu. lunch-l. Four lullu Ind I buy. A ' Lulu. Thru VIM-III Ind on Ind. Ml iv (Inln In" Ind In. 3 India. 9 genllamm. l-thodlud umnhlnc. Thm. on": lull..- Haw anu ‘.,h got rlal I { thl leguy. Two lullll. Now “1.1 P..." flud. 'l'wo ‘ wlth MVIJ Inn-Mutational. 3m DIALOGUES No. 27. ' fun O'Dowd'o IIan For thm mIlu Tho mm llrl'I good Inga! For two MI. II. In on. (-mulI. . lwo llnle girll. liuxy Inhuncu not IlwaI jut. Nun-nun "Th-t uuurnul’ul mu. II ." For womb lfl lud Ihu many. For ‘00 "ul- 'lrln. n. Mun-united Anglo. For nun] mu. prurnncu In ice-“Jul. For nun] ‘uIquIuI In-(priu. Your lulu ID! I.» (mule. Ingd om unlumfi. \vhn wu M For flvo lldlu. Lon'l pron-l. Vow I've lblu 'lvll. Wlml. will hurt than! For I July Ild t'o boyI. An Inl‘onm! Iun. For uvuI' CLdI‘M‘IIL Cndopudnnl. I'm “Immu- IhIruhrI. Thou Ill-o puuh Ind shad who yul’unn. '- hun unnun Hi. but. For (our bop. lhm ml”. I‘m-«l and 10nd It, fln[. l'ur uunl min. A mil- :onqn-IL For no "In; [1:]... O In)". plot. FM nun! nhIrIcun. 1" Th It". bou- M. told ) mundane. Ivmhm or will b In pout-Mi I ’ Mum-t priu l0 «nu {uh- ' k - Hum ‘ ADA” Pm". ’5 WM.- IL. I. I. «Va: DIME POCKET NOVEIJS. PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY, AT TEN CENTS EACH, 61 Mad Anthony’s Scouts 121 Blank Nick. 1 Hawkeyle Harry. 2 Dead 8 at. 8 The Boy Miners. 4 Blue Dick. 5 Nat Wolfe. 8 The “'hlte Tracker. 7 The (in How’s Wife. 8 The Tall Trapper. 9 Lightning Jo. 10 The Island Pirate. 11 The Boy Ranger. 12 Bess, the Trapper. 13 The French hpy. 14 Long Shot. 1 The Gui-maker. 16 Red Hand. I7 Ben, the Trapper. ‘IH Wild Raven. ller. Jo. 8 01d Kent. the Ranger. 24 The One-E cil Trapper. 25 Godhold, t e Spy. 2“ TI: Blnek Ship. 2; Iln‘le E} 2 lad on .11 29 The thou . 30 Eagle Eye. 31 The Hy-tie Canoe. 82 The Golden Harpoon. 88 The Scalp King. 84 old Late. 85 Ralnbolt, Ranger. 36 The Hay Pioneer. 37 Car-on, the Guide. 88 The Heart Enter. 89 ‘Vetzel, the Feont. 40 The Huge Hunter. 41 “’ild Nat. the Trapper. 42 Lynx-enp. 48 The 11’ hite Outlaw. 44 The Dog Trailer. 45 The Elk King. 46 Adrian, the Pilot. 47 Tile Han-hunter. 48 The Phantom Tracker. 49 Moeea-In Hill. 50 The “'olt' Queen. 51 Tom Hawk. Trailer. 52 The Mad (‘hiefl 53 The lilaek “'oli’. 54 Arkansas Jack. 55 Blackbeard. 56 The River Rifles. 67 Hunter Hum. 58 (‘loudn’ood. 59 The Texas Ila.ka 60 Merciless Mat. 1 8 1 Red Lightning. 183 Night-llawk Kit. By Joseph E. Badger. Jr. 185 Hurricane Bill. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. ii 84 Mustang Sam. 62 The Lneklevot Trapper. 83 The Florida Scout. 64 Tinl Island Trapper. 65 Wolf—Cap. 66 Rattling Dick. 67 harp-ltye. 68 Iron-Hand 69 The Yellow Hunter. 70 The Phantom Rider. 71 Delaware Tom. 72 Silver Rlile. 78 Tile Skeleton Scout. 74 Little Rifle. 75 The \Vood Witch. 76 Old Rufl', the Trap or. 77 The fiearlct Shoal: ers. 78 The, Border Rilleman. 79 Outlaw Jack. Ho-Tiger-Tall, Seminole. 81 Death-Dealer. 82 Kenton, the Ranger. 88 The Hpceter Horseman, 84 The 'Ihree Trappers. 85 Kaleolah. 86 The Hunter Herealea. Phil Hunter. The Indian Scout. The Girl Avenger. 9 The Red Hermite“. 91 Star-Face, the Rlnyer. 92 The Antelope Boy. 98 The Phantom Hunter. 94 Tony l'intle the Pilot. 95 The Red Hillard. 96 The Riyal Trappers. 97 The Squaw Spy. 98 Husky Dick. 99 Colonel Crockett. 100 {Md Bear Paw. Reilan. “'lid R uhe. The Indian Hunters. Scarred E Nick Doyle. The Indian Spy. Job Dean. The “'ood King. The Sealped Hunter. Nicky the Scout. 1 11 The Texas Tiller. 2 The Crossed Knivel. Tiger-Heart. 108 104 105 The, Pearl Pirates. 6 Black Panther. 7 Abdiel, the Avenger. 8 Cato, the Creeper. 19 Two-Handed Mat. 120 Mad Trail Hunter. 1 1 1 1 1 1 l 8 g The Masked Ayenger.‘ digit lgird. R e eeter iders. r . 0 1‘- r nvtaln. 126 \ ankee Eph. 127 Silyerspur. 128 Squatter Dick. 129 The Child Spy. 180 Mink Coat. 181 Red Plume. 182 Clyde, the Trailer. 188 The Lost Cache. 184 The Cannibal Chief. 185 Karulbo. 186 Scarlet Moeeasin. 87 Kidnapped. 88 Maid of the Mountain. 89 The Eeioto lieoutl. 40 Border Rene ode. 41 The Mute Ch ei’. 142 Roone, the Hunter. 148 Mountain Kate. 144 The Red 8 nlper. . 145 The Lone hief. 146 The silver Bugle. - i 147 0hinza,theCheyenne. 148 The Tangled Trail. 149 The Unseen Hand. I 150 The Lone Indian. 51 The Branded Brave. \ 52 Billy Bowie II. o 58 The Valley cent. 64 Red Jacket. 55 The Jungle Scout. 56 Cherokee Chief. 1’7 The Bandit Hermit. rs The Patriot Scouts. to The “’ood Rangers. 60 The. Red Foe. 61 Beautiful Unknown. 62 (innohrake Mose. 68 flank. the Guide. 64 The Border Scout. 65 Wild Nut. 6 vv. 1: Maid of Wyoming. 6 The Three Captives. 6 The Lost Hunter. Border Law. The Lifted Trail. T Trader pr. The Forest Hpecter. The Border Foe“. “order Vengeance. Border Bennie. , The Sons of Liberty. The Lost Bride. . K sea. 9 ’l‘ e Tonkawa Spy. 180 The Prairie Scourge. Huidr-h-lHdHHHflHHHHflHHHHHHHHHI-IH‘H Lflaahflflflcfilfla 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 By W. J. Hamilton. Ready May 31st. 182 Brave Heart. By James L. Bowen. Ready June 14th. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Ready July 12th, Ready June 88th. Ready July 26th. 186 The Red OlltlaIV. By W. J. Hamilton. Ready August 9th. 187 The S‘vmnp Scout. By W. J. Hamilton. Ready August 23d. 188 The Shawnee’s Foe. By W. J. Hamilton. Ready September 6th. 1 89 Mohzuvk Nat. By W. J. Hamilton. Ready September 20th. 190 Old Jupe. By Mrs. Orrin James. Ready October 4th. 391 The Prairie Rifles. By Henry J. Thomas. Ready October 18th. d92 01d Kyle, the Trailer. By Henry J. Thomas. Ready Nov. lst. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York;